title: Geriatric gynecology.
abstract: Most postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is benign; however, it merits diagnostic evaluation by transvaginal ultrasound or endometrial biopsy after emergency department evaluation. Patients and physicians may treat menopausal symptoms with hormone replacement therapy or other agents, such as venlafaxine or gabapentin. Hormone replacement therapy, when initiated close to the start of menopause and continued at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible duration, carries less risk than previously believed. Pelvic organ prolapse affects millions of women and may contribute to poor body image and difficulty with urinary, gastrointestinal, and sexual function. Treatment options include Kegel exercises, pessaries, and surgery.
authors.affiliation: Family Medicine Department, Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center, 9100 Franklin Square Drive, Baltimore, MD 21237, USA. kperkins@carilionclinic.org
authors.forename: Karen E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Perkins
authors.forename: Megan C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017698:Postmenopause; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy