A period after menopause

Menopause is reached after periods have stopped for a sustained time. Bleeding afterwards can come from thinning or irritation of vaginal or uterine tissues, polyps, hormone treatment, or other changes. Pelvic Organ Prolapse may cause tissue irritation and spotting. Bleeding is not a typical return of regular periods, and its amount does not reliably show the cause.

Contact a gynaecology or primary-care clinician and describe the colour, amount, duration, and whether bleeding followed sex. Mention all hormone medicines, vaginal products, blood thinners, and pelvic symptoms. Assessment may involve an examination, a pregnancy test when relevant, imaging, or sampling of the uterine lining. Keep a record of further bleeding and do not delay review because the episode was brief.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, or weakness. Arrange prompt review for repeated spotting, bleeding after sex, new discharge, or bleeding while taking hormone treatment. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Vaginal Dryness, mood changes, or Low Sex Drive may occur around menopause, but they do not explain away bleeding after menopause.

What could be causing this bleeding? Do my medicines or vaginal symptoms change the assessment? Which examination or test do I need, and how soon should results be reviewed?