'Abnormal bleeding', 'Postmenopausal bleeding'… What should you do in these cases?

Any woman of reproductive age will have menstruation. However, a normal menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and some women may have two periods in a month or one period every two months.

 

Since each person is different, it is important to pay close attention to one's own condition.

Irregular menstruation can be categorized into △irregularity based on cycle △irregularity based on menstrual flow △absence of menstruation or sudden onset. Since there are many types and causes vary greatly from person to person, it is better to seek medical consultation rather than self-diagnose if abnormalities occur.

 

◆ What if your menstrual cycle is irregular?

 

If the menstrual cycle is as short as 21 days, it is possible to have two periods in one month. In such cases, it is also necessary to check the menstrual cycle and duration. The menstrual period lasts 2-6 days (average 4.7 days), and if it is shorter or longer than usual or if the amount of bleeding differs from normal, abnormal bleeding may be suspected.

 

◆ What to do if stress causes abnormal bleeding?

 

The causes of abnormal bleeding are very diverse, but it can also occur due to stress. Sometimes, even if abnormal bleeding occurs, there are no significant abnormalities, and it is overlooked. However, this is a dangerous mistake. Abnormal bleeding can occur not only due to stress but also due to structural causes. Professor Kim Young-a of Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology said, "After excluding causes such as endometrial polyps, fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, ovulation disorders, and medications like hormones, the bleeding can be diagnosed as stress-related." She added, "A simple diagnosis can be made through gynecological ultrasound, so if abnormal bleeding recurs frequently, you should visit a hospital to find the cause."

 

◆ Taking birth control pills due to irregular menstruation, how long should I continue?

 

Oral contraceptives are used not only for contraception but also as a treatment for various gynecological symptoms and conditions. They are taken to regulate irregular menstruation as well as abnormal bleeding. For contraception, they can be taken until menopause, and when used for menstrual irregularities, the duration of regulation may vary depending on the cause.

 

What to do if postmenopausal bleeding occurs?

 

Postmenopausal bleeding is a common symptom occurring in 10% of women over the age of 55. Professor Kim advised, "Most cases are caused by severe atrophy, polyps of the endometrium and cervix, or medication such as hormones and anticoagulants, but since about 9% are accompanied by endometrial cancer, it is necessary to check for the presence of malignant disease."

 

He added, "It is important to determine whether abnormal bleeding occurs before or after menopause," and emphasized, "If bleeding occurs after menopause, it is crucial to visit the hospital immediately to identify the cause."

 

If amenorrhea persists for one year after the onset of menopause, it is diagnosed as menopause. The period when menstruation becomes irregular before menopause is called the perimenopausal period, during which abnormal uterine bleeding can frequently occur.

 

Abnormal bleeding between the ages of 45 and menopause is recommended for testing. Therefore, women before and after menopause should undergo active testing if abnormal bleeding occurs.