There are many causes of benign nosebleeds, but when they really start up during menopause, a woman may wonder if this means cancer or just the hormonal fluctuations during this transition.
After all, a menopausal state of body can mean many different changes and symptoms.
If you’ve noticed an increased frequency of nosebleeds while you’re going through menopause, traditional Chinese medicine may have an explanation – but so can cancer and much more common benign conditions.
“Nosebleeds are usually due to excessive fire conditions,” begins Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Riobe, board certified in OB/GYN and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
“Fire can be generated by stress, improper nutrition and overwork. The closest thing in our allopathic system to fire would be extreme acidity.
“Hormone fluctuations that may contribute to this are high cortisol and excessive thyroid hormone.
“Obtaining thyroid and adrenal testing can also be considered.”
Other Causes of Nosebleeds During Menopause Including Cancer
Just because new-onset nosebleeds start up during menopause doesn’t mean there’s a connection.
In fact, there is no connection between the hormonal changes of menopause and nosebleeds.
A common cause of nosebleeds is dry air. Another common cause is aggressive blowing or cleaning out of the nasal passages.
A woman in menopause may be traveling to a much higher altitude than what she’s used to and find that she suddenly has a nosebleed. When the body is not accustomed to high altitude, a nosebleed can result.
It can also be caused by high blood pressure.
“Seek medical attention to assure that nosebleeds are not due to other conditions such as blood clotting disorders,” says Dr. Riobe.
There’s actually tons more causes of nosebleeds that can easily coincide with menopause and don’t relate to cancer.
• Allergies
• Aspirin and other blood thinners like Coumadin
• Chemical irritants
• Cocaine
• Common cold
• Deviated septum
• Foreign body in the nose
• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
• Liquor
• Nasal polyp
• Nasal sprays if used often
• Nasal tumor (benign)
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis (acute or chronic)
• Thrombocytopenic purpura of unknown cause
• Trauma to the nose including surgery
Cancer and Nosebleeds
“Certain cancers can also result in nosebleeds including cancer of the sinuses, leukemia and lymphoma,” says Dr. Riobe.
A leukemia nosebleed may have unique features.
A malignant tumor in a sinus cavity is also called a nasal or paranasal tumor, and they have unique risk factors and interesting symptoms.
What makes a nosebleed, whether or not a woman is in menopause, more concerning is if it comes out of only one nostril.
No matter how troubling her menopausal symptoms are, she should see an ear, nose and throat physician about unexplained nosebleeds, especially if they involve only one nostril.
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has over 15 years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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