Bleeding After Menopause - Is it normal?
Once you hit menopause, you expect things to calm down. Without the monthly cycle of periods, cramps, and PMS this next chapter can bring with it a newfound freedom but then, out of nowhere, you might experience some unexpected bleeding.
Did you know…
Up to 1 in 10 women experience bleeding after menopause. It can happen for a number of reasons, many of which can be easily treated, however in a minority of cases it can indicate a serious underlying health issue. This is why any postmenopausal bleeding should always be followed up with your doctor as early detection will help address any potential issues before they become bigger problems.
So, what causes bleeding after menopause?
Just because we always like to cover the basics, menopause is defined as the point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. And although postmenopausal bleeding shouldn’t be ignored, it’s not always a sign of something serious.
Here are some of the reasons you may bleed after menopause:
Vaginal skin changes: As estrogen levels decrease, the tissues of your vagina and vulva may become thinner and drier. This condition, known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause, can make vaginal walls susceptible to irritation, friction, or even small tears, which can cause bleeding. If you notice bleeding after intercourse or any kind of vaginal discomfort, this could be the culprit.
Polyps or Fibroids: Benign growths like uterine fibroids or polyps can develop and cause bleeding. These are often non-cancerous, but they should still be evaluated by your doctor, especially if they cause pain or heavy bleeding.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: This is a condition where the lining of the uterus becomes too thick. While not cancerous on its own, endometrial hyperplasia can sometimes lead to cancer over time, especially if left untreated. Bleeding is one of the main symptoms.
Endometrial Cancer: While rare, one of the more serious reasons behind postmenopausal bleeding is endometrial cancer. This is why any kind of bleeding after menopause should be checked out by a doctor, just to rule out more serious conditions.
While women are more likely to have bleeding in the first year of menopause, if you have been postmenopausal for a year and experience any bleeding, you still need to have it checked out - endometrial cancer most commonly affects women in their mid-60s.
What does bleeding after menopause say about my overall health?
Like every part of a woman’s journey, there is no one-size-fits-all approach or answer. Even if the bleeding seems light or doesn’t last long, there are a range of reasons why it is happening.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be one of the causes of light spotting after menopause. Although this is more likely in perimenopause, bleeding on HRT after menopause can happen and this is why consistency of care with a health clinic or practitioner is one of the best support networks that a woman can have.
Regardless of the intensity of bleeding, it’s worth pointing out that there is no ‘normal’ bleeding after menopause. Once again, not all postmenopausal bleeding is cause for alarm, but with so many variables, you need proper medical guidance if you experience any of the following:
Heavy bleeding after menopause, similar to a period or flooding
Bleeding that lasts more than a day or two
Spotting or bleeding after sex
Any unusual or unexplained changes in your health
When to see a doctor about bleeding after menopause? What can I expect?
To start with, your doctor will most likely ask you:
How long the bleeding has been going on?
The frequency of the bleeds?
The intensity of bleeding? (light spotting or heavy)
And when the bleeding happens? (for example, if you bleed after sex)
Let them know if you have had any other symptoms and whether you are taking HRT. Once they have all these details, your doctor will most likely book you in for an ultrasound and refer you to a gynaecologist.
Treatment for bleeding after menopause will depend on its cause but may involve hormonal treatments, medication, antibiotics and in some cases surgery.
The most important thing; listen to your body
The entire menopausal journey is an opportunity to really tune into your body and to find consistent and kind medical support. Although abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause can cause worry, it’s something that can often be managed once the cause is identified, and early detection is vital. The key takeaway? Don’t ignore it. Even though some of the signs of menopause signals the end of your menstrual years, your body is still going through plenty of changes, and it’s important to listen to it and always book in with your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
Looking to navigate this journey from peri to post menopause well?
Let us help! Book your first appointment with Ponti Health today!