A Powerful Reminder About Post-Menopausal Bleeding
Today, I watched a public health reel from Mayo Clinic featuring Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, a gynecologic oncologist. In the video, she emphasized that women experiencing post-menopausal bleeding—whether it’s brown, pink, or red, and even if it’s painless—should see their gynecologist for further evaluation. Her message, shared via Mayo Clinic’s official Instagram channel, was powerful and a timely reminder about the importance of post-menopausal health awareness.
Dr. Bakkum-Gamez also reminded viewers that menopause is officially defined as 12 months without regular menstrual cycle. So, any bleeding that occurs after that point—even light spotting—should be taken seriously and checked by a gynecologist.
It brought back a memory from an interpretation session I was part of. A woman had been experiencing heavy bleeding for six months after menopause. She told her gynecologist that she actually felt happy the first time it happened—thinking her period had come back. She continued to ignore the symptoms until the bleeding caused significant fatigue and exhaustion.
Eventually, she underwent a medical exam. The diagnosis was heartbreaking: advanced cervical cancer that had already spread.
This experience reinforced how crucial it is to seek medical attention at the first sign of abnormal bleeding after menopause. It could save your or your loved one’s life.
📌 About the Author
Yun Zhou-Wells is a certified medical interpreter with over 30 years of experience bridging communication between patients and healthcare providers. Passionate about women’s health and patient advocacy, she shares stories from her interpreting work to raise awareness and empower readers to take charge of their health.
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Yun Silver Lining 