Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding is the occurrence of vaginal bleeding in a woman who has not had a period for at least 12 months. It can be a confusing and concerning experience for some women, but it is relatively common. About 30% of women experience postmenopausal bleeding.
Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Estrogen is important for the health of the vaginal wall. After menopause, estrogen levels decline. This can cause the vaginal wall to become thinner, drier, and more fragile. This can lead to bleeding, especially after sex or when wiping.
Prolapse is a condition in which an organ in the pelvis, such as the uterus, bladder, or bowel, descends from its normal position. Prolapse can irritate and damage the vaginal wall, causing bleeding.
A polyp is a benign growth of tissue. Polyps can occur in the cervix or in the uterine cavity. If a polyp bleeds, it can cause bleeding.
Cervical cancer is a rare form of cancer that can develop in the tissue lining the cervix. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can be an early sign of cervical cancer.
After menopause, the ovaries stop producing hormones. Estrogen is important for the growth of the endometrium. If estrogen levels decline, the endometrium can become thin and fragile. This can lead to bleeding, especially after sex or when wiping.
Some women will still have a period after they have not had a period for more than a year. This is more common in women who have not been in menopause for very long. If a gynecologist does not find any abnormalities on a Pap smear or ultrasound, you probably still had a period. In this case, the bleeding is harmless.
After menopause, estrogen can be released from fat tissue. This can stimulate the endometrium, which can lead to bleeding. This thickened tissue is usually harmless. However, sometimes the tissue becomes irregular and can develop into (a precursor to) uterine cancer.
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in the lining or muscle of the uterus. Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can be an early sign of uterine cancer. The risk of cancer is higher in women who are older and/or have obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
Fibroids, also known as myomas, are benign tumors that can grow in the uterus. Fibroids can cause irregular or heavy bleeding, but they are usually not active after menopause.
If you have postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist. The doctor will examine you to determine the cause of the bleeding. This is done with a Pap smear of the cervix or with an internal ultrasound. Depending on the cause, there are a variety of treatments available.
When should you contact Women’s Healthcare Center to have the bleeding investigated:
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, including:
If you would like more information about postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or if you are experiencing it, please contact Women’s Healthcare Center. Call 020 64 20 229 or fill out the contact form.