Light spotting after menopause

After menopause, vaginal and cervical tissues may become thinner and dry, making minor bleeding possible after sex or friction. Polyps, hormone treatment, infection, and changes in the womb lining are other explanations. Womb cancer can present with postmenopausal bleeding, but spotting does not tell you which cause is present. Examination is the way to investigate it rather than judging by the amount of blood.

Contact a GP or gynaecology service and mention that you have had bleeding after menopause. Record when it happened, whether it followed sex, the colour and amount, and any pain or discharge. Bring a list of medicines, including hormone therapy and blood thinners. Assessment may include an examination, cervical screening when due, an ultrasound, or a sample from the womb lining.

Seek urgent help if bleeding becomes heavy, you feel faint or weak, severe pelvic pain develops, or you have fever or foul-smelling discharge. Otherwise, arrange a prompt appointment rather than waiting for another episode. Bleeding after menopause deserves review even when there is no pain.

Could tissue dryness, a polyp, medicine, or a womb-lining problem explain this? What examination or scan is appropriate? If a sample is suggested, what will it check and when should I expect the result?