Experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding can be alarming, especially after menopause. For Maria Lozano, it was the signal that something was wrong. Having gone through menopause a decade prior, the sudden return of bleeding was a stark change. This common symptom of endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, prompted her sister to advise, “I needed to see a doctor.” At 59, Maria was diagnosed with stage III endometrial cancer.
Kirsten Arendes’ experience was similar, although she was in the earlier stages of menopause. “I hadn’t had a period for about 10 months,” Kirsten recalls, diagnosed with stage I endometrial cancer at 51. “Then I had one super, super heavy period. I assumed it was normal…but then the same thing happened the following month. And the next one.” It was during a routine thyroid checkup that Kirsten mentioned the bleeding to her doctor, leading to an ultrasound and biopsy.
Abnormal Bleeding: Your Body’s Early Warning for Uterine Cancer
Maria and Kirsten’s stories highlight a crucial point: post-menopausal bleeding is a significant warning sign. According to gynecologic oncologist Dr. Larissa Meyer, “Post-menopausal bleeding is actually a wonderful signal the body gives us that something is not right.” While not all postmenopausal bleeding indicates cancer, a significant 90% of women diagnosed with postmenopausal endometrial cancer experience this symptom. This is why it necessitates an endometrial biopsy, a straightforward in-office procedure.
Unlike ovarian cancer, often detected in later stages due to less obvious symptoms, abnormal vaginal bleeding in endometrial cancer acts as an early alarm. This often allows for diagnosis at earlier, more treatable stages of uterine cancer.
Subtle Bleeding: Recognizing Symptoms Before Menopause
Abnormal vaginal bleeding isn’t exclusive to postmenopausal women; it’s also a common symptom in younger women. However, Dr. Meyer points out, “It’s trickier to diagnose in the premenopausal population…because a lot of those women have never really menstruated normally, so changes associated with the development of cancer may not be as noticeable.”
Some premenopausal women might experience sporadic bleeding or irregular periods, which can be easily dismissed as normal variations. As Dr. Meyer explains, “If that’s your normal…you might not even recognize that the bleeding is from cancer.” This was the case for Becky Black, diagnosed with stage I endometrial cancer at 39. “I’d had menstrual issues ever since my first period,” Becky recounts. “My cycle was never normal. Then they became even more irregular, with bleeding in between my periods.”
Tralisa Woods had a similar experience. “I’d had heavy and irregular periods my whole adult life because of endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),” she shares. “But when the bleeding got even worse, I attributed it to getting older. I explained away the increased bloating and abdominal pain as menstrual cramps.”
The Link Between Infertility and Uterine Cancer Symptoms
Conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, which cause irregular ovulation, can make conception challenging. For some younger women, the diagnosis of endometrial cancer comes when they seek help for infertility. Callie Glaves, diagnosed with stage II endometrial cancer at 31, explains, “My husband and I had been trying to get pregnant for years…I finally said OK in 2016 [to see a specialist].” It was during infertility investigations that Callie discovered her cancer.
Dr. Meyer clarifies the connection: “Whether it’s not ovulating due to PCOS, obesity or some other cause, the same issues that can lead to infertility often predispose women to endometrial cancer.”
Beyond Bleeding: Other Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
While abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most prominent symptom, uterine cancer can manifest in other ways. These include:
- Pelvic pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Moina Faruqui experienced vaginal discharge for approximately three months before her stage IV endometrial cancer diagnosis at 65. “In the fall of 2009, I started feeling not just tired, but exhausted,” Moina, now 78, recalls. “I also had an unpleasant vaginal discharge. It wasn’t bloody, but it was very foul-smelling.”
When to Seek Medical Advice for Potential Uterine Cancer
Approximately 75% of endometrial cancer diagnoses occur in postmenopausal women. However, Dr. Meyer notes an increasing trend in younger populations, rising by about one to two percentage points annually.
Therefore, any concerns about your menstrual cycle, abnormal bleeding, or other potential symptoms of uterine cancer warrant a consultation with your gynecologist. “And, if you’re already in menopause and start bleeding again, get checked out. Because that’s not normal. Periods don’t just suddenly start up again years after they’ve stopped,” advises Dr. Meyer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult with your gynecologist promptly.
