Written by John Williams - February 15, 2023
Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and reproductive life, but this doesn't necessarily mean that her periods will never return. In some cases, periods can come back after menopause due to certain medical conditions. It is important to understand these potential causes in order to stay informed and get the proper care.
What is Menopause?
Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months and she no longer produces eggs or progesterone, two hormones essential for maintaining fertility in women. This usually happens sometime between 45 and 55 years of age, with an average age of 51 years old in the United States.
What Causes Periods to Come Back After Menopause?
There are several medical conditions that can cause post-menopausal bleeding, such as uterine fibroids, polyps, vaginal atrophy, and hormonal imbalances. If you experience post-menopausal bleeding or any other changes in your menstrual cycle, it is important to see your healthcare provider to determine a possible cause.
Uterine Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form on the wall of the uterus and can sometimes cause heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting. Fibroids often shrink after menopause as hormone levels decline. However, if levels remain high due to lifestyle or environmental factors like stress and diet, then they may continue to grow despite menopause occurring.
**Polyps: ** Polyps are abnormal tissue growths within the uterus that may lead to irregular bleeding or periods coming back after menopause has already occurred. Polyps are usually harmless but should be removed if they cause discomfort or severe bleeding episodes.
**Vaginal Atrophy: ** Vaginal atrophy is common after menopause due to low estrogen levels and causes thinning of vaginal walls which can lead to irregular spotting and itching or burning around the vagina. Treatments for vaginal atrophy include topical estrogen creams or other medications prescribed by your healthcare provider.
*Hormonal Imbalance: ** Hormonal imbalances caused by factors such as stress can cause periods to come back after menopause has already taken place by falsely stimulating hormones responsible for menstruation cycles like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Taking supplements from Hormone Treatment Center herbal hormone replacement clinic may reduce irregularities & promote healthier hormones balance & reduce symptoms associated with menopausal transition such as hot flashes & mood swings naturally.
It is important for all women who have gone through menopause, or who are approaching it soon, to be aware that there are many potential causes why their periods might come back despite them being officially done with their reproductive life (unless actively seeking pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology). If you experience any changes in your menstrual cycle during this time it is important to talk with your healthcare provider so they can provide proper diagnosis and treatment options available.