Post-Menopausal Bleeding: Should I Be Concerned?

If you’re experiencing post-menopausal bleeding, you may be wondering if you should visit your gynecologist. In a word, yes, you should be concerned but not panicked. There is usually no pain with post-menopausal bleeding, but regardless of the color or amount of flow, you should ask to see your gynecologist. It’s normal to have irregular vaginal bleeding in the years leading up to menopause, but if you have bleeding more than a year after your last menstrual period, that is not normal. It could be the result of a simple infection or benign growths, but in rare cases, it could be something more serious. Let’s get more specific about post-menopausal bleeding.

What Could Be Causing Post-Menopausal Bleeding?

There are several reasons bleeding could occur post-menopause. Most can be easily treated, but it is important to see Capital Women’s Care to determine the cause.

Polyps

You can develop polyps on the uterus, cervix, or cervical canal. Although they are usually not cancerous, they can cause bleeding after sex, spotting, or even heavy bleeding.

Endometrial Hyperplasia

This is a thickening of the uterine lining. This can occur with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. The endometrium gets thicker and can bleed. These abnormal cells can become cancerous, so it’s important to see your gynecologist.

Vaginal Atrophy

This is a thinning of the vaginal tissue. Low estrogen levels cause the vagina to be dry, thin, and become inflamed. Bleeding can frequently occur after sexual intercourse.

Endometrial Atrophy

This is a thinning of the uterine lining. Low hormone levels after menopause can cause it to get too thin which triggers the bleeding.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases & Infections

Diseases like gonorrhea and herpes cause spotting and bleeding after sex. Chlamydia can cause bleeding as well.

Gynecologic Cancer

Bleeding is the most common symptom of endometrial or uterine cancer. That’s why it is important to see Capital Women’s Care for an examination in Silver Spring and Germantown, MD if you have bleeding after menopause.

Medications

Bleeding can be a side effect of drugs like hormone therapy, blood thinners, and tamoxifen.

Since the cause of your bleeding could be something harmless or very serious, find out the cause as soon as possible.