Can endometrial polyps cause bleeding after menopause?

After menopause, bleeding is not expected as part of a regular menstrual cycle. An endometrial polyp can have fragile surface tissue and may cause spotting or bleeding from inside the womb. Bleeding can be pink, red, or brown and may happen once or recur.

Polyps are one possible explanation. Thinning vaginal or womb tissues, hormone treatment, infection, and changes in the womb lining can also cause bleeding. Because the symptom has several causes, it cannot confirm a polyp or indicate its nature without assessment.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly, even if the bleeding is light or has stopped. Note when it happened, its colour and amount, any pain or discharge, and medicines such as hormone therapy or blood thinners. Do not wait for another episode before seeking advice.

Assessment may include a pelvic examination, ultrasound, and sampling or direct inspection of the womb lining when appropriate. Your clinician will explain why each test is suggested and what the findings mean.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, faintness, severe pelvic pain, fever, or feeling very unwell. If bleeding is light and you otherwise feel well, prompt outpatient assessment is still needed because postmenopausal bleeding should not be self-diagnosed.

Could a polyp explain my bleeding, and what other causes should be considered? Which examination or scan do I need? Will the womb lining need sampling? Should I change any hormone treatment or medicine while this is being investigated?