5 Ways To Speak Up About Gynecologic Symptoms, Even When It Feels Embarrassing

5 min readThis article is sponsored by GSK.Maybe you’ve been experiencing unusually heavy periods. Or you’re spotting between cycles. Or you’ve been facing other symptoms that you may have dismissed as stress, aging, or related to menopause.For many women, dealing with these kinds of symptoms themselves isn’t the only hurdle. Embarrassment can also keep important conversations from happening. They may not want to discuss issues “below the belt,” so they stay silent.But when women chalk up recurring gynecologic issues to normal aging or avoid talking about them altogether, they may be putting their health at risk.Endometrial cancer, a type of uterine cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, can also cause many of these symptoms, says Lindsey McAlarnen, MD, a gynecologic oncologist at the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, Nebraska. “Many of my patients have never heard of endometrial cancer before they’re diagnosed,” she says. “Unlike breast or cervical cancer, which are more widely discussed and recognized, endometrial and other gynecologic cancers often remain under the radar. There’s a general discomfort and stigma around discussing these cancers, which contributes to a lack of public awareness.”That lack of awareness makes a difference. While 90 percent of women with endometrial cancer experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, more than a third of them don’t realize it could be a potential warning sign of something serious. “With endometrial cancer, being able to distinguish what’s normal from what’s not is critical, because getting diagnosed and treated as early as possible can make a difference,” Dr. McAlarnen says.“Don’t wait to talk to your doctor if something feels off,” she advises. “Opening up about your symptoms might feel uncomfortable at first,” she says, “but gynecologic health is never something to be embarrassed about.”Trust Yourself When Something Feels OffFor Dr. McAlarnen’s patient, Amy, a 45-year-old instructional facilitator at an elementary school, the first warning sign was easy to explain away. One unusually heavy period came during a school break, and she wondered if her body was simply reacting to a change in routine. When her next period seemed normal, it was tempting to move on. But when the bleeding returned only a few months later, it was heavier than anything she had experienced before—and much harder to dismiss.Share What’s Happening—Even If It Feels Awkward“I was soaking through tampons quickly and changing my clothes throughout the day,” Amy recalls. “I had to present for a school program and was mortified at the idea that I might bleed through my clothes on stage,” she says. She even withdrew from helping with a track and field event the next day.Her primary care physician advised her to see a gynecologist ASAP. But she couldn’t get an appointment right away, and her symptoms continued to worsen. “The bleeding got so bad that tampons were falling out from the force of my flow, so I went to the emergency room.”Amy remembers apologizing profusely to the ER doctors and nurses for “the mess” she felt she was making. But the care team reassured her that her symptoms were nothing to be embarrassed about or apologize for. That’s a message Dr. McAlarnen hopes more women hear: No symptom is too awkward to describe. The details that may feel uncomfortable to share are often the very details that help healthcare professionals understand what's happening and determine whether further evaluation is needed.Don’t Assume It’s “Probably Nothing” Amy’s heavy menstrual bleeding ultimately turned out to be a sign of endometrial cancer. But because many symptoms of the disease can overlap with changes that occur during perimenopause—the natural transition before menopause that can cause changes like irregular bleeding, weight gain, and other symptoms that may seem like a normal part of aging—it isn’t always easy to tell what’s normal and what isn’t.That uncertainty can make it tempting to dismiss symptoms—or worry they won’t be taken seriously. “I’ve heard many women have had their bleeding dismissed as perimenopause or ‘normal,’” Amy says. “My heart breaks for them, and I feel so fortunate that every doctor I saw took my concerns seriously when I spoke up.”The experience shaped the advice she now shares with other women: don't assume a change in your body is something you simply have to live with. Your concerns are valid and worth bringing up, even if you’re not sure whether it’s serious. So how are you supposed to know what may be part of the menopause transition and what could signal something more serious? You don't have to figure it out on your own, Dr. McAlarnen says. If you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding—including any postmenopausal spotting—or other concerning symptoms, talk with your healthcare professional right away.Ask Questions And Seek AnswersEndometrial cancer is most common in postmenopausal women, and the average age of diagnosis is 60. Still, anyone with a uterus can develop the disease. Amy’s experience is a reminder not to assume you’re too young—or too old—to bring up symptoms that concern you.When Amy went to the emergency room, her care team suspected a polyp or fibroid was causing her excessive bleeding and recommended she follow up with her gynecologist. During that visit, her gynecologist also performed an endometrial biopsy. “A few days later, five days before my forty-third birthday, I learned I had endometrial cancer,” she says.“I’m seeing a rising number of cases of endometrial cancer being diagnosed in younger, premenopausal women,” Dr. McAlarnen says. “While the disease is more common after menopause, symptoms that concern you are worth discussing at any age.”A Pap smear screens for cervical cancer, not endometrial cancer. Asking questions can also help you better understand which tests can—and cannot—provide answers. To many women’s surprise, a Pap smear is not used to detect endometrial cancer. It screens for cervical cancer, not cancer of the uterine lining. What’s more, there’s currently no standard screening for the early detection and diagnosis of endometrial cancer in women who have no symptoms.“If you’ve had a clear Pap but still have abnormal vaginal bleeding or spotting, or feel a mass in your pelvic area, you need to contact your medical provider,” Dr. McAlarnen says. “Because there is no standard screening test, it’s extra important to pay attention to any changes in your body and talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual,” she adds.Keep the Conversation GoingAmy's cancer was diagnosed at an early stage and had not spread to her lymph nodes. After undergoing surgery, she was able to return to work before the start of the next school year.Looking back, what stands out most to her isn’t just the diagnosis—it’s how much more openly she began discussing her health.That’s one reason she’s sharing her story now: to encourage other women to trust themselves, ask questions, and seek care when something feels off. Amy’s experience underscores why those conversations matter. Because her cancer was caught early, treatment could begin before it spread.Her message, echoed by Dr. McAlarnen, is this: Don’t let fear or embarrassment stand between you and answers. Speaking up could make all the difference.Talk to your doctor if something feels off. Find more information and resources about endometrial cancer at dontbeembarrassed.com.Dr. Lindsey McAlarnen, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, and Amy have been compensated by GSK for their participation in this article. Amy’s story reflects her personal experience with endometrial cancer. Individual experiences may vary.Intended for US audiences only.Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.©2026 GSK or licensor.NPUS-ECUCOCO260035 August 2026Produced in USA.