Bleeding after menopause: Is it normal?

Updated: 2020-09-16

Answer Section

Menopause is the end of menstruation. In clinical terms, you reach menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause isn't normal and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can be caused by:

• Cancer of the uterus, including endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma
• Cancer of the cervix or vagina
• Thinning of the tissues lining the uterus (endometrial atrophy) or vagina (vaginal atrophy)
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Infection of the uterine lining (endometritis)
• Medications such as hormone therapy and tamoxifen
• Pelvic trauma
• Bleeding from the urinary tract or rectum
• Excessive overgrowth of the cells that make up the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia)

The cause of your bleeding may be entirely harmless. However, postmenopausal bleeding could result from something serious, so it's important to see your doctor promptly.