“Why am I bleeding I am 53?”

The average age of menopause is 51, although some women can continue periods until a later age. I am assuming that you haven’t had bleeding for a while and this is new bleeding. The most worrisome causes of bleeding after menopause are cancer and pre-cancer of the lining of the uterus. It can also be cause by a very thin lining that is cracking. It is IMPORTANT that you see a physician for evaluation which should include a vaginal ultrasound to assess the thickness of the lining. If it is over a certain thickness, and endometrial biopsy (done in the office by sliding a thin tube through the cervix in to the uterus) or a D&C (dilation and curettage, usually done as an outpatient surgery) to get lining cells for a pathologist to look at to rule out cancer or pre-cancer. Once that is done, treatment varies depending on the circumstances.

AGAIN, IF THIS BLEEDING IS OCCURRING AFTER MENOPAUSE, IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND IMPORTANT TO SEE A PHYSICIAN FOR EVALUATION.

Hope this helps,

Cynthia Tucker, MD