Differential Diagnosis for Vaginal Bleeding Post Menopause
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Atrophic Vaginitis: This is the most common cause of postmenopausal bleeding, resulting from the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls due to decreased estrogen levels.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Endometrial Hyperplasia: A condition where the lining of the uterus grows too thick, which can be caused by estrogen replacement therapy or obesity.
- Endometrial Polyps: Growths in the lining of the uterus that can cause bleeding.
- Uterine Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause bleeding, although they are less common post-menopause.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Bleeding can occur as a side effect of HRT, especially in the first year of treatment.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Endometrial Cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the uterus and can cause postmenopausal bleeding. It is crucial to rule out this diagnosis due to its potential severity.
- Cervical Cancer: Although less common, cervical cancer can also cause postmenopausal bleeding and must be considered to ensure timely treatment.
- Ovarian Cancer: Bleeding can be a symptom of ovarian cancer, especially if it has spread to the uterus or vagina.
Rare Diagnoses
- Vaginal Cancer: A rare type of cancer that can cause bleeding.
- Uterine Sarcoma: A rare and aggressive type of cancer that begins in the muscle and supporting tissues of the uterine walls.
- Metastatic Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the vagina or uterus from another part of the body, which can cause bleeding.