Many changes in your menstrual cycle are harmless and can happen because of stress, hormonal fluctuations, changes in weight, medications or other common health conditions. But persistent or unusual changes in periods can sometimes signal an underlying gynaecological problem, including certain cancers.
Gynaecological cancers include cancers affecting the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina and vulva. Some may cause noticeable symptoms early, while others can develop with vague or easily overlooked signs.
A change in your period does not automatically mean cancer. However, persistent or unusual symptoms should not be dismissed, particularly if they are new, becoming more frequent or occurring after menopause.
1. Unusually heavy or prolonged periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding can have several causes, including fibroids, adenomyosis, hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems and certain medications. In some cases, however, abnormal uterine bleeding can be associated with cancer of the uterus or endometrium.
Pay attention if your periods suddenly become much heavier than usual, last significantly longer than they normally do or repeatedly interfere with your daily activities.
Bleeding between periods or bleeding after sexual intercourse should also be evaluated rather than being assumed to be a normal menstrual variation.
2. Bleeding after menopause
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be medically evaluated.
Postmenopausal bleeding can occur because of relatively common conditions such as thinning of the vaginal or uterine lining, polyps or hormone-related changes. However, it is also one of the important warning signs of endometrial cancer.
Even a small amount of bleeding or spotting after menopause should not simply be attributed to a period returning. A gynaecologist may recommend an examination, ultrasound or other tests to determine the cause.
3. Persistent pelvic pain or pressure
Pelvic discomfort that keeps returning or does not go away can have many possible explanations, ranging from menstrual problems and ovarian cysts to endometriosis and gastrointestinal conditions.
Persistent pelvic or lower abdominal pain, particularly when accompanied by bloating, changes in urination or bowel habits, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss, warrants medical attention.
Ovarian cancer can sometimes produce symptoms that are subtle and may initially resemble digestive or menstrual problems. This is one reason persistent symptoms should not be repeatedly self-treated without finding their underlying cause.
4. Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
A change in vaginal discharge can occur because of infections, hormonal changes and other non-cancerous conditions. But persistent, unusual or foul-smelling discharge, particularly when accompanied by blood, pelvic pain or bleeding after sex, should be checked by a gynaecologist.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge can occur with cervical cancer and other gynaecological conditions. Cervical cancer may not always cause obvious symptoms in its early stages, which makes appropriate screening particularly important.
When should you see a gynaecologist?
Not every change in your period is a sign of cancer. Menstrual cycles can change throughout life because of puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, stress, changes in body weight, hormonal contraception and several medical conditions.
However, seek medical advice if you notice bleeding that is unusual for you, periods that suddenly become significantly heavier or longer, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, any bleeding after menopause, persistent pelvic pain or unusual vaginal discharge.
The exact cause cannot be determined from symptoms alone. A gynaecologist may ask about your menstrual history and other symptoms and, depending on your age and symptoms, may recommend a pelvic examination, ultrasound, cervical screening or additional tests.
Screening can help detect some cancers early
Some gynaecological cancers have established screening or preventive strategies. Cervical cancer screening can detect cervical cell changes before they develop into cancer, allowing treatment at an earlier stage.
There is currently no routine screening test recommended for women at average risk that reliably detects ovarian cancer before symptoms develop. Similarly, endometrial cancer is generally investigated when symptoms such as abnormal bleeding occur rather than through routine screening in women without symptoms.
Knowing your normal menstrual pattern can therefore be useful. If something changes and the change persists, discussing it with a healthcare professional is safer than assuming it is simply another irregular period.
An unusual period does not mean you have gynaecological cancer. Most menstrual changes have causes other than cancer. But persistent abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, unexplained pelvic symptoms or unusual vaginal discharge should not be ignored.
Early evaluation can help identify the actual cause and, when a serious condition is present, may allow treatment to begin sooner. If you notice a new or persistent change in your menstrual or reproductive health, speak to a gynaecologist rather than waiting for the symptoms to disappear on their own.
Leave a comment