Spotting after about 17 years

by Diana
(IL)

I have not used any hormone therapy after menopause because of cancer family history and been fine. Had mild hot flashes that didn't last for many years, but now I have spotted a few times over last 2 months passing a nickel size clot last and nothing since.

The progesterone test here shows need of progesterone so was wondering if anyone knows if this could be related to my symptoms? I know the worse cause of could be cancer but do not feel that is the reason!

I would appreciate a response via email if possible. Thanks.

Note from webmaster:
Sorry Diana, but our policy is to never publish email addresses as this attracts spambots which harvest emails for spamming purposes. I'm sure someone will respond to your post as this website now attracts well over 2,000 visits per day.

Comments for
Spotting after about 17 years

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Jun 30, 2010
 Spotting after about 17 years
by: Wray

Hi Diana It is unusual to spot after 17 years, it could be nothing more than a build up of your uterine lining over those years. Oestrogen is a mitogen, causing cells to divide and multiply, vital once a month for building the endometrium. Although ovarian production stops with menopause, our fat cells continue to make it to the day we die. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP?s) are enzymes that break down protein. They play a role in the breakdown of endometrial tissues at the end of the menstrual cycle. It?s only when progesterone levels drop at the end of the cycle that the MMP?s can get to work and break down the lining causing our monthly bleed. Progesterone suppresses MMP's and oestrogen. Progesterone of course is low in menopause, as ovarian production of that has also stopped. The adrenals, brain and glial cells make very small amounts, it could be you have been through some stress recently, which has dropped adrenal production, hence the clots. Rather than rely on the questionnaire which admittedly is very accurate, I suggest you have your levels checked, saliva tests are best. These will probably come back 'normal', but please divide the progesterone result by the oestrogen result. As it's the ratio which is all important, not the actual amount of each. I've found the progesterone ratio should be over 300:1, if not more. Take care Wray

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