I am nearing menopause and periods have become irregular. How to manage?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 48 years old. I have been experiencing irregular periods, which I realize is normal as I am entering menopausal age. Last month, I did not get my period. But this month it has been a heavy and lengthy one for more than 17 days now. I felt the normal fatigue, and today, I have been feeling lightheaded, short of breath, and having an increased heart rate. I am currently waiting to hear from my referral to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist.

Until then, is there anything I can do to minimize bleeding and avoid an ER (emergency room) visit?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

If you have bleeding and you have to change two to three pads per day, then you do not have to do anything for bleeding on an urgent basis.

At 48 years of age, if you are bleeding heavily, then it is better to get an appointment and check your cervix and other things. If required, do a Pap smear, cervical biopsy, or dilatation and curettage, and send for HPE (histopathological examination) to rule out cervical cancer. If everything is fine, then you can wait for menopause to come and take medication as and when required. If you are passing clots and there is more bleeding, then I suggest you Etamsylate like tablets two to three times a day.

Consult your doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the treatment with consent. If not controlled or have vertigo and disorientation-like symptoms, then rush to the hospital and get checked immediately because your body can withstand bleeding up to a limit according to your blood hemoglobin level.

I hope I have answered your query.

Revert in case you have any other doubts.

Thank you.