Angela Onwuzoo
A Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Modupe Adedeji, says any vaginal bleeding after menopause should not be taken lightly by women, warning that it does not mean the return of menses.
According to her, any bleeding experienced at this period should be investigated and not be mistaken for menstrual irregularities.
Dr. Adedeji stated this during an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, revealing that even some contraceptives could have an effect on menstrual irregularities.
The gynaecologist said, “It is noteworthy that a woman is never to expect bleeding of any kind after menopause.
“Any bleeding experienced at this period is pathological and must be investigated. It does not mean that menses have resumed again. The factor to always rule out when such happens are cancers of the reproductive system.”
Speaking on menstrual irregularities and the factors responsible, the maternal health expert said, “Menstrual irregularities is one of the common gynaecological complaints in our clinics.
“It is obviously related to the female reproductive system, which is regulated from the central nervous system.
“To know probable cause depends on some factors like age and the characteristics of the menstrual irregularities (menorrhagia — excessively and prolonged menstrual flow, scanty menstrual flow, intermenstrual bleeding, delayed menses, cessation of menses).
“Others are any surgical procedure done and medications use.
“Menstrual irregularities just after menarche (commencement of menstruation) maybe physiological for a few years before it is regulated because of the maturity of the central nervous system.
According to her, towards the end of the reproductive age when the follicles are already exhausted, women notice irregularities with their menstruation.
She stated that at this period, the frequency of the menstrual flow becomes few and even scanty in volume before it eventually stops.
A study published in the Journal of Islamabad Medical & Dental College, which examined the pattern of menstrual irregularities among women, the researchers found that most patients are unaware of what represents normal menstrual pattern.
According to the study, it is important to educate patients regarding the range of normal cycle length.
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