Question 75
Doctor N,
First let me preface by saying that I have had a thyroidectomy and am on synthroid. While checking my blood levels, my endocrinologist said that i was post menopausal. I had not had a period in over a year. I am 50 y/o and not on HRT. In the past 2 months I have had a regular period. I had the breast tenderness before and all the symptoms were like the old days. Should I be concerned? I did call my gynecologist and the nurse told me not to worry about it. What do you think?
Reply:
In consideration of the absence of a period for a year at the age of 50 and a confirming blood test performed by your endocrinologist I would agree that you are likely menopausal. It is possible to ovulate "one last time" and for this reason it may be prudent for women to continue contraception for a time after their periods stop. The symptoms you experienced prior to the bleeding seem to suggest that this is what happened. However, spontaneous postmenopausal bleeding may also be a sign of abnormal endometrial tissue, or other significant problem and it would be prudent on your part to return to your doctor and discuss this with him/her. At a minimum a pelvic exam and an ultrasound should be performed and an endometrial biopsy should be considered.
Dr N