Postmenopausal Bleeding

If you are past menopause (you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months), you should no longer have menstrual bleeding. After menopause, even a small spot of blood is abnormal. If you are bleeding after menopause, see your doctor as soon as possible because you may have a serious problem. Here, we review the most common causes of postmenopausal bleeding:

Causes of Postmenopausal Bleeding

Polyps: These are usually noncancerous growths that can develop inside the uterus, on the cervix, or inside the cervical canal. These can cause bleeding.
Endometrial Atrophy (thinning of the endometrium): The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus. This tissue can become very thin after menopause due to low estrogen levels. This can cause unexpected bleeding.
Endometrial Hyperplasia:
In this condition, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, thickens,
which can cause bleeding. Obesity can be a cause of this problem.
Some people with endometrial hyperplasia
may have abnormal cells that can develop into endometrial cancer.
Endometrial Cancer:
Bleeding after menopause can be a symptom of endometrial cancer.
Other causes of bleeding after menopause include:
Infection in the uterus or cervix, taking certain medications such as blood thinners, and other types of cancer.