Skip to contentan abnormal discharge with a funky odor—she booked a gynecology visit “just to be
safe.” The diagnosis: endometrial cancer.
Why Post‑Menopausal Bleeding Deserves Your Attention
The most common form of uterine health cancer is endometrial carcinoma, striking
predominantly between ages 50 – 70. While not every case of postmenopausal bleeding
signals cancer, any red staining on your underwear—even light—warrants prompt evaluation.
High‑Risk Factors You Should Know
- Obesity and uncontrolled diabetes
- Family history of gynecologic cancers
- Never having been pregnant
- Unopposed hormone therapy with estrogen post‑menopause
Red Flags Before & After Menopause
Before menopause: unexplained heavy flow, cycles lasting longer than usual, or bleeding
between periods.
After menopause: spotting more than once a month, flow lasting beyond a week, or any persistent
postmenopausal bleeding. Fatigue, anemia, or lower‑abdominal pain are
additional clues.
Screening & Diagnosis
If you tick several risk boxes, schedule an annual ultrasound screening
(abdominal or transvaginal) to check endometrial thickness. Suspicious findings often lead to a biopsy
for confirmation.
Caught early, endometrial cancer boasts an excellent cure rate. Even with
limited spread, surgery followed by radiotherapy or medication offers encouraging outcomes.
Your Action Plan
- Log any bleeding — date, volume, duration.
- Book prompt medical care; never self‑medicate with over‑the‑counter hormones or unverified supplements.
- If you take tamoxifen for breast cancer, see your gyno every 6–12 months.
- Adopt yearly pelvic check‑ups regardless of age; irregular cycles in younger women can still signal trouble.