Cancer More Cancer Types Endometrial Cancer Guide Endometrial Cancer Guide Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer By Lisa Fayed Lisa Fayed is a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate. Learn about our editorial process Lisa Fayed Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on July 13, 2019 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Review Board Anita Sadaty, MD Updated on January 27, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Frequent Symptoms Complications When to See a Doctor Next in Endometrial Cancer Guide What Increases Your Risk of Endometrial Cancer? Endometrial cancer involves the endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, and is by far the most frequently diagnosed type of uterine cancer. The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which includes bleeding after menopause, changes in bleeding before menopause, and bleeding in between periods. Other symptoms can include pain during sex, pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, and fatigue. Illustration by Joshua Seong, Verywell Frequent Symptoms In general terms, the most common symptom of endometrial cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Approximatley 90 percent of women have this symptom, according to the American Cancer Society. Before Menopause If you haven't yet gone through menopause, abnormal vaginal bleeding includes: Periods that are heavy and prolonged (lasting longer than seven days) Heavy spotting that occurs between periods Periods that occur every 21 days or sooner Vaginal bleeding that occurs before and/or after sex After Menopause Any vaginal bleeding or spotting that starts a year or more after you've gone through menopause is considered abnormal and requires an evaluation by your doctor. Uterine cancer is not the only cause of vaginal bleeding after menopause. Fibroids, thyroid disorders, polyps, and hormone replacement therapy can also cause vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women. Other symptoms of endometrial cancer that can occur before or after menopause include: A watery or blood-tinged vaginal discharge Pain during sexual intercourse Symptoms that may occur in the later stages of cancer include: Pelvic pain or cramping Abdominal pain Being able to feel a mass or tumor in your pelvis Losing weight without trying Fatigue Bloating Changes in bowel or bladder habits Feeling full quickly Complications The only potential complication of endometrial cancer symptoms is anemia, a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, cold hands and/or feet, irregular heartbeat, headaches, shortness of breath, pale or yellow-tinged skin, chest pain, and feeling dizzy or lightheaded. This kind of anemia is caused by an iron deficiency in your body as a result of blood loss. Thankfully, it's easily reversed through a diet that's rich in vitamins and/or taking iron supplements, as well as by treating your endometrial cancer, which will stop the bleeding altogether. Speak with your oncologist before beginning any supplements. While you're being tested for endometrial cancer, there is the risk of your uterus being perforated (torn) during the endometrial biopsy or dilation and curettage (D&C), but the chances of this are slim. The risk is slightly higher for women who have been through menopause or who have been pregnant recently. When to See a Doctor You should see your doctor if you have any of the above-listed symptoms of endometrial cancer. They may turn out to indicate something else, but if you do have cancer, the earlier it's detected, the better your outcome will be. Endometrial Cancer Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up This Doctor Discussion Guide has been sent to {{form.email}}. There was an error. Please try again. Keep in mind that if you have any abnormal discharge at any stage of life, even if it's not bloody, you may still have endometrial cancer and should see your doctor. Discharge that isn't bloody is associated with around 10 percent of cases of endometrial cancer. If you're experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through one sanitary pad an hour), you should go to the emergency room. What Increases Your Risk of Endometrial Cancer? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer Additional Reading American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer. Updated February 29, 2016. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Endometrial Cancer. Updated June 2016. Mayo Clinic Staff. Anemia. Mayo Clinic. Updated August 8, 2017. Mayo Clinic Staff. Endometrial Cancer. Mayo Clinic. Updated March 6, 2018. MedlinePlus. Endometrial Cancer. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated April 5, 2016.