Bleeding after menopause: Is it normal?

Date Updated: 09/16/2020

Answer Section

Menopause is the end of menstruation. In clinical terms, you reach menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause isn't normal and should be evaluated by your doctor.

Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding can be caused by:

Cancer of the uterus, including endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma
Cancer of the cervix or vagina
Thinning of the tissues lining the uterus (endometrial atrophy) or vagina (vaginal atrophy)
Uterine fibroids
Uterine polyps
Infection of the uterine lining (endometritis)
Medications such as hormone therapy and tamoxifen
Pelvic trauma
Bleeding from the urinary tract or rectum
Excessive overgrowth of the cells that make up the lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia)

The cause of your bleeding may be entirely harmless. However, postmenopausal bleeding could result from something serious, so it's important to see your doctor promptly.