Any amount of bleeding through the vagina after menopause is called postmenopausal bleeding (PMB).
Causes of PMB
The most common causes include:
- Menopause-related thinning of the vaginal lining
- Benign growths from the lining of the uterus or cervix (polyps)
- Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Rarely, PMB can be caused by cancer of the cervix, uterus, or vagina.
What You Need to Do
It is important to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist urgently to determine the source of the bleeding and make a diagnosis.
Investigations Offered
- A thorough internal examination and a pelvic ultrasound scan
- Hysteroscopy: An endoscope may be used to examine the inside of the uterus. This can be done in the outpatient clinic or under general anesthesia.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample from the lining of the uterus may be taken in the clinic or under anesthesia if advised
Treatment
Most women with PMB do not need treatment. Management depends on the underlying cause, which your doctor will discuss with you.
Important: More than 90% of women with PMB do not have cancer. If cancer is detected, it is usually at an early stage and can be treated successfully with a good prognosis.
Experiencing postmenopausal bleeding?
Book an appointment with our gynecology specialists for evaluation and peace of mind.