Menstruation following menopause

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am 51 years old and stopped getting my period 21 months ago. All of a sudden this last month I had excruciating lower back pain and then started bleeding lightly. My GYN said it was probably just because I was a little heavy but he did extensive testing only to find nothing abnormal. In your opinion, is being a little heavy cause for me to get my period after 21 months? I have never heard of anyone going through this before.

DEAR READER: Irregular menstrual cycles can occur for a number of reasons, to include the use of specific medications, stress, lifestyle changes, vigorous exercise, eating disorders, weight loss or gain, current medical conditions, thinning of the tissues lining the uterus, and overall health. A cycle can vary from woman to woman when it comes to regularity or irregularity, [Read more...]

Irregular menses a cause for concern

DEAR DR. GOTT: I just had my menstrual cycle on my birthday last month and now have it again. Can you please explain to me what’s wrong?

DEAR READER: I will attempt to respond to your question in a general manner because you do not provide enough information in your letter.

A menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. Generally speaking, it occurs every 28 days and lasts between four to seven days. Variation in flow, regularity and more are extremely common in young women just starting their cycles, as well as in women approaching menopause. [Read more...]