Bleeding after menopause
It is not normal to bleed or spot 12 months or more after your last period. Usually it’s nothing to worry about, but you should always have it checked out by a doctor.
There can be several causes for vaginal bleeding after menopause. In most cases a cause is never found. However, it can also be a sign of something more serious, so you will need to see your doctor to rule this out.
Bleeding after menopause is often caused by:
- inflammation and thinning of the lining of your vagina
- thinning of the lining of your uterus
- thickening of the lining of the uterus, often because of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- polyps (growths) in the cervix or uterus
- abnormalities in the cervix or uterus.
You may also want to check with your doctor to see if your Pap tests are up to date.
You may think you have finished menopause if you have not had a period for a few months. However, it is still possible to have a period up to a year after your last one. It’s important you visit your doctor to discuss your bleeding.
If you are bleeding very heavily or you feel faint or as if you might pass out call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try calling 112.
Not sure what to do next?
If you are still concerned about bleeding after menopause, why not use healthdirect’s online Symptom Checker to get advice on when to seek medical attention.
The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it’s self care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).
Last reviewed: June 2017
