Guideline 61: Investigation of Post-Menopausal Bleeding

Investigation of Post-Menopausal Bleeding
Section 7: Information for patients

7.1 Notes for discussion with patients and carers

It is recognised that good communication is central to the clinician-patient relationship and to good clinical care. Patients require information about the reasons for investigating their condition, the methods of testing, an explanation of the procedures themselves, as well as options available for management of established conditions.

What is PMB?

Post-menopausal bleeding involves vaginal bleeding following a woman's last menstrual period. For the purposes of this guideline, an episode of bleeding 12 months or more after the last period is accepted as post-menopausal bleeding.

Why does it need investigation?

Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding must always be investigated. In the majority of cases no serious problem will be found but there are times when the bleeding is the first symptom of serious disease including cancer. Even when the bleeding is related to cancer, if it is diagnosed early there is a very good chance that the disease can be cured.

What causes PMB?

In 90% of cases examination and investigation will find either no obvious cause or an innocent one. The commonest innocent cause is atrophic vaginitis (inflammation of the lining of the vagina due to the lower levels of the circulating hormone oestrogen at this time). Cervical and endometrial polyps are further common findings and they are usually benign. In around 10% of cases, PMB will be associated with endometrial (uterine) or cervical cancer.

How is PMB investigated?

There are a range of different techniques which health care professionals might use to investigate PMB. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) is described in detail below. Hysteroscopy uses a thin telescope that is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Modern hysteroscopes are so thin that they can fit through the cervix with minimal discomfort. They are fitted with small video cameras to allow the operator to visualise the inside of the uterus. Biopsy involves removing a small sample of the womb lining for pathological analysis. This is painless and can usually be carried out at the same time as hysteroscopy.

How accurate are the test results?

All women have an underlying chance of developing endometrial cancer which is dependent on their use of HRT and a range of other factors. TVUS measures the thickness of the lining of the womb and the test results can be interpreted to show how the underlying likelihood of cancer is either increased or decreased in the light of the measured endometrial thickness. The risks of cancer are given in ranges which reflect the accuracy of the TVUS technique. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you and will come to a decision with you as to whether any further investigation or treatment is required.

7.2 The transvaginal ultrasound investigation

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a harmless way to show the structures inside your pelvis using high-frequency sound waves and a type of sonar detection system to generate a black and white picture. Depending on the view of your pelvic organs, the radiographer may position the ultrasound machine's transducer wand to look through your abdominal wall (transabdominal ultrasound) or to look through your vagina (transvaginal ultrasound). With the transvaginal technique, the ultrasound transducer (a hand-held probe) is inserted directly into the vagina. It is therefore closer to pelvic structures than with the conventional transabdominal technique (probe on skin of the abdomen), providing superior image quality. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is used to scan for pregnancy and is also useful for finding cysts on your ovaries, examining the lining of your uterus, looking for causes of infertility, and looking for cancers or benign tumours in the pelvic region.

How to prepare for the test?

No preparation is necessary in most cases. If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound, you will need to remove a tampon if you have one in place. If you are to have a transabdominal scan you will be asked to fill your bladder by drinking a few glasses of water before the test. You may continue taking all of your medications as prescribed by your health care provider. The test can be performed without concern at any stage of a woman's menstrual cycle, however if you are using a sequential HRT regimen, you may be asked to attend during the first half of your menstrual cycle.

How is the test performed?

You will lie on your back on a couch for the test. For transvaginal ultrasound, the probe used for internal scans is small and shaped to fit easily and painlessly into your vagina. The probe will be covered with a clean condom and some lubricating jelly. When the sensor is in place, a picture will appear on a TV screen, and the radiographer will move the sensor in your vagina to see the uterus and ovaries from many different views. The test takes around 15 minutes to perform and will feel similar to an internal examination.

What are the risks involved with the test?

Studies have shown ultrasound is not hazardous and there are no harmful side effects. In addition, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, as X-ray tests do.

How long is it before the result of the test is known?

You might be able to get an indication of the results of your test immediately. However, the test will be recorded on paper or film and the recording can be formally reviewed by a radiologist, a process that might take a day or two before your doctor has the report.

7.3 Sources of further information / support

THE BRITISH MENOPAUSE SOCIETY
36 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, England SL7 2NB
Tel: 01628 890199 Fax: 01628 474 042
Email: britishmenopausesociety@compuserve.com
http://www.the-bms.org/

WOMEN'S HEALTH CONCERN - WHC
P.O.Box 2126, Marlow, England SL7 2RY
Tel: Helpline: 01628 483612 Fax: 01628 474042
http://www.womens-health-concern.org/

Based at the British Menopause Society. Aims to help women obtain the information and advice they need concerning their health, with particular reference to gynaecological problems; also information on problems connected with the menopause and the proper use of HRT.

WOMEN'S HEALTH (PREVIOUSLY WHRRIC)
52 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8RT
Tel: Helpline: 0845 125 5254 Fax: 020 7250 4152 Textphone: 020 7490 5489
Email: womenshealth@pop3.poptel.org.uk
http://www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk

Women's Health provides accessible information in a supportive manner to help women make their own informed decisions about their health; services include a national helpline and postal and email enquiry service, reference library and database to help put women in touch with individuals or groups for self-help and support. Produces a wide range of leaflets and a newsletter.

FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND
FPA Scotland, Unit 10, Firhill Business Centre, 76 Firhill Road, Glasgow G20 7BA
Tel: 0141 576 5015 Fax: 0141 576 5006
Email: fpascotland@dial.pipex.com
http://www.fpa.org.uk

FPA's highly trained helpline staff provide a confidential advice service for the public answering over 100,000 enquiries a year; its Library and Information service provides access to a unique and comprehensive collection of materials on sexual health. Patients can phone FPA to get contact information on their local menopause clinic.

FAMILY PLANNING AND WELL WOMAN SERVICES
18 Dean Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 1NL
Tel: 0131 332 7941 Fax: 0131 332 2931 Textphone: 0131 315 3424

Menopause clinic; NHS provision of all forms of contraception; advice and referral for unplanned pregnancy; psychosexual counselling; well-woman clinics; vasectomy performed; young people's clinics.

GLASGOW CENTRE FOR FAMILY PLANNING AND SEXUAL HEALTH
2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB
Tel: 0141 211 8130 Fax: 0141 211 8139

Confidential self-referral menopause clinic. Offers free abortion counselling, colposcopy / cervical screening, family planning, free condoms, HIV counselling / testing, pregnancy testing, psychosexual therapy, vasectomy counselling / operations, well woman screening. Refers for female sterilisation and abortion. Services are also provided from 28 other sites within Glasgow.

HEALTH EDUCATION BOARD FOR SCOTLAND
Woodburn House, Canaan Lane, Edinburgh EH10 4SG
Tel: 0131 536 5500
http://www.hebs.scot.nhs.uk/

NHS24:
http://www.nhs24.com/ - Scheduled to be available throughout Scotland in 2004.

NHS Helpline:
0800 22 44 88

FOR CANCER PATIENTS:
Cancer Research UK
(http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/)

Produce a good patient information leaflet entitled Womb Cancer.

CancerBACUP
(http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/)

Produce a good patient information leaflet entitled Understanding cancer of the womb (endometrium).