However, the key word here is stop. Since menopause translates to ‘the last menstrual period’, this means you shouldn’t experience any more vaginal bleeding after entering into this new life stage. So, what should you do if you are?
Here, we take a look at postmenopausal bleeding in more detail, answering some of the most commonly asked questions you may have.
What happens to my periods during and after menopause?
During the menopause transition, your body goes through all sorts of changes that affect how regularly you get your period. These changes are mostly driven by falling levels of oestrogen hormones.
Around your mid-forties to early fifties, your oestrogen levels typically start to drop, often leading to symptoms which mark the beginning of perimenopause.
This is the time leading up to menopause. During perimenopause, your periods may become less frequent, and you may experience signs like hot flushes, brain fog and night sweats.
This happens because your body no longer produces the same amount of oestrogen.
As your oestrogen levels continue to drop over time, you may find that your periods become increasingly irregular – heavier in some months and lighter in others – until they eventually stop altogether.
When it’s been one year since your last period, you have reached menopause. After menopause, you should no longer experience any periods.
After this point, you enter postmenopause, and any menopausal signs you’ve been experiencing should gradually start to ease off.
For this reason, any bleeding or spotting after menopause is not related to your periods, and will need to be checked by a doctor. However, in most cases, postmenopausal bleeding is not serious.
What might cause postmenopausal bleeding?
If you haven’t had a period in over 12 months and notice yourself bleeding again, it’s only natural to feel concerned. However, postmenopausal bleeding usually isn’t a sign of anything serious.
That said, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can, so they can try and work out why it’s happening. Postmenopausal bleeding could be caused by a number of things, with some of the most common causes including:
- Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) – lower oestrogen levels in your body may cause the lining of your vagina or womb to become thinner and more inflamed, which may sometimes cause bleeding.
- Non-cancerous polyps – these are benign growths that could have developed in your cervix or womb without you knowing.
- Endometrial hyperplasia – while lower oestrogen levels may cause your womb lining to thin, too much oestrogen can lead to thickening, potentially resulting in a condition called endometrial hyperplasia. This is commonly associated with treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or factors such as being overweight.
In rare cases, postmenopausal bleeding may also be a symptom of ovarian or womb cancer, which is why it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
What should I do if I have postmenopausal bleeding?
Vaginal bleeding is estimated to affect up to 10% of women in postmenopause, and while it’s usually nothing serious, you’ll need to have it looked at by your doctor.
Even if it’s just happened once, you’ve only noticed a small amount of blood or you’re not sure whether it actually is blood, don’t put it off. Let your doctor know as soon as you can so the cause can be investigated.
By investigating what’s going on as early on as possible, you’ll be able to get answers sooner and, if needed, treat any underlying issues right away.
Postmenopausal bleeding diagnosis and tests
After your initial consultation with your doctor, you’ll likely be referred to a hospital or a specialist postmenopausal clinic within two weeks.
Once you’re there, you’ll meet with a specialist who may perform a few tests to help work out what’s causing your bleeding. Some of these tests may include:
- A vaginal ultrasound scan – this involves placing a small device into your vagina to scan for any potential problems.
- A pelvic and vaginal examination – after inserting a speculum into your vagina, the specialist will examine your vagina and cervix to identify any possible concerns.
- A hysteroscopy – this procedure involves passing a thin, telescope-like camera through your vagina and cervix into your womb to look for any underlying issues. It’s normally performed using local or general anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the examination.
- Physical examination – your specialist may gently press on your stomach to check for any lumps, tenderness or other potential issues.
Your doctor will talk you through the tests they recommend and explain what they’re for, so you’ll be kept well-informed throughout the process.
Menopause affects everyone in different ways, and it’s important to remember that you’re never alone – support is always available should you need it.
Most of the time, these tests are simply to help rule out more serious issues. But, if your doctor does identify the underlying cause of your postmenopausal bleeding, they can help you find the right treatment to prevent it from happening again.
While postmenopausal bleeding is normally nothing to worry about, it’s important to see a doctor – even if you’re only experiencing it for the first time.
By discussing your signs with you and running a few tests, your doctor will help you find the treatment you need, so you can get back to doing what you do best: enjoying your postmenopausal life to the fullest.
Discover CanesMeno® for postmenopause support
Head over to the CanesMeno® hub for answers to any other menopause-related questions you might have – from signs to causes to everything in between.
CanesMeno® offers a variety of products designed to offer postmenopause support.
CanesMeno® Night, for instance, is a food supplement that contains vitamin B6 to support hormonal regulation. Meanwhile, CanesMeno® Hydration and Comfort Gel is a non-hormonal gel designed to relieve vaginal atrophy symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching and burning.
To learn more about these products, take a look at the full CanesMeno product range.
