I'm taking hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, and my monthly menstrual periods have returned. Is this normal?
Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D.
Some forms of menopause hormone therapy may cause monthly bleeding. These include cyclic hormone therapy preparations that contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. Progestin helps protect the uterus from endometrial cancer if you have an intact uterus.
Menopause hormone therapy can result in light bleeding or bleeding that's as heavy as a normal period. If your bleeding concerns you, see your doctor.
Other causes of bleeding after menopause can include:
- Thinning of the tissues that line the vagina and uterus due to a decrease in estrogen
- Uterine polyps
- Infections of the uterus, such as endometritis or cervicitis
- Abnormal growth of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia)
- Endometrial cancer
Along with discussing your medical history and performing a physical exam, your doctor may order lab tests or a diagnostic procedure to identify the cause of abnormal bleeding after menopause.
With
Tatnai Burnett, M.D.
Show References
- Lobo RA, et al. Menopause and care of the mature woman. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020.
- Martin KA, et al. Preparations for menopausal hormone therapy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020.
- Goodman A. Postmenopausal uterine bleeding. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020.
- MenoNote: Hormone therapy. The North American Menopause Society. http://www.menopause.org/publications/consumer-publications/-i-menonotes-i-. Accessed Nov. 18, 2020.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/hormone-replacement-therapy/FAQ-20058499