What is menopause and how do we confirm this?

It is said that women stop menstruating between the ages of 45 and 55, and this is referred to as menopause. This is the time the secretion of Estrogen hormone from the ovaries decrease, and the ovarian eggs stop being produced. If, above the age of 50 years, a woman has not had her period regularly for a period of 12 months, it is considered as that the period has completely stopped and this confirms menopause.

Is post-menopausal bleeding normal?

There should be absolutely no bleeding post menopause. Even if there is slight bleeding, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

What are the causes of post-menopausal bleeding?

Thinning or infection of vaginal tissue, thickening of uterus tissue or formation of tumor, uterine (endometrial) cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer could occur due to post-menopausal hormone deficiency, and this could cause bleeding.

Also Read: Health benefits of exercise for Post Menopausal Women

What tests must be done under such circumstances?

Ultrasound test can help detect thickening of the uterus and tumor. Furthermore other problems can be diagnosed with vaginal tests. If necessary a tissue biopsy must be done.

What kind of treatments are available?

The mode of treatment will depend on the nature of the problem, if it is a usual one or cancer-related. Treatment will include medication, lifestyle changes and hysteroscopic treatment.

What are the treatments available in case of cancer diagnosis?

A tissue biopsy will confirm whether it is a pre-cancer stage or cancer. Then certain tests (MRI or PET scan) will be done to determine the stage of the disease. The stage of the disease will determine whether uterus or ovary or tumor must be removed.

Also Read: The importance of Annual Gynaecological Health Check-up

What are the current advancements in surgery?

Uterine tumor surgery can now be done completely laparoscopic or with robotic aid. Furthermore, rather than removing all tumors, the affected tumors alone can be precisely removed by using indocyanine green fluorescent dye. These treatments are done using small perforations and therefore healing happens faster.

Is surgery alone sufficient to treat cancer? Or are other treatments necessary too?

In case of early diagnosis surgery is sufficient, however if diagnosed at a later stage radiation therapy or chemotherapy, or both may be necessary. Complete healing is possible with current advanced treatment methods, with very little side-effects.

Can cancer be completely cured?

Yes, cancer in stages 1 to 3 (from the early stages to the stage where the disease has spread to nearby organs) can be completely cured. Even in the fourth stage, where the disease has spread to organs farther away, current treatment methods can help keep the disease under control and increase lifespan.

Also Read: 10 Reasons to Celebrate Menopause

After cancer has been completely cured, can the treatment be stopped and is pregnancy possible?

This is possible in case of the early stages of cancer. In such situations, devices that release the hormone are fitted into the uterus and the disease cured. This helps protect the uterus and facilitates the chances of pregnancy.

How can uterine cancer be prevented?

It is possible to reduce the chances of cancer by avoiding high fat foods and obesity, testing at regular intervals in case you are taking hormone treatment, exercising daily and eating a healthy diet.

Dr. S. Rajkumar MS(MMC), MCh(JIPMER)

Kauvery Hospital, Salem

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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