Do You Nonetheless Want Mammograms And Pap Smears After Menopause? A Gynecologist Weighs In

Dr. Weber says that menopause can probably affect the outcomes of mammogram and pap smear checks. Nonetheless, physicians have measures in place to handle these issues. “After menopause, a girl’s breast density could lower if she would not use systemic hormones,” Dr. Weber explains. “[B]ut many ladies proceed to have dense breast tissue on their mammogram, which may make the mammogram extra prone to miss breast most cancers.”

Within the case of pap smears, Dr. Weber states, “If a girl has vaginal atrophy or thinning, she could also be extra prone to have an inadequate Pap the place not sufficient cells are collected to offer a end result. She would merely must repeat her examination for an additional assortment of cells.” Moreover, Dr. Weber factors out that menopause can generally enhance the possibilities for incorrect check outcomes. “Because of lack of estrogen, which causes thinning of vaginal and cervical tissues and generally irritation, the cervical cells could also be extra prone to seem irregular on a pap smear,” she explains. “An HPV check can be utilized to find out if it’s a worrisome abnormality.”