I am 50 years old and still hae my monthly period. I have had spotting which begins about the 15th day of my cycle on and off for about 10 years. My doctor says that it is hormone related. He did a D&C two years ago and found no abnormalities. He has prescribed HRT. I notice no difference in the spotting with HRT but have exerpieced menopausal systems; night sweats, depression, mood swings. I stopped taking HRT. Is there anything I can do about the spotting or is this something I will have to continue to live with until my periods stop? It is not excessive, a light days pad is more than enough protection. If it is hormonal which hormone am I deficient in?
Answer:
I dont have clear the fact that you had symptoms of estrogen deficiency
while taking estrogens. It is possible that the dose needed to be increased,
but that sometimes causes some side effects such as breast tenderness
and heavier flow. The spotting, if it not related to an abnormality
of the lining of the uterus like polyps, hyperplasia and cancer,
are generally due to estrogen deficiency.
Your doctor has tried to rule out other problems with the D&C.
You might need to re-discuss with him the possibility of reinstating the
HRT at a different dose or with a different regimen.
An additional procedure such a hysteroscopy might also help in clarifying
the causes of spotting.
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Sincerely
Ed Kneler, MD
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