What should you know about a normal period after menopause?

Menopause is reached after twelve months without a menstrual period. Bleeding afterward is not automatically cancer, but it can come from vaginal or uterine tissue changes, polyps, infection, hormone treatment, or other conditions. A small amount of spotting still deserves review because the appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Dry vaginal tissue may bleed after sex or an examination, while pelvic organ prolapse can cause pressure or irritation. These possibilities do not remove the need for assessment. A clinician may ask about medicines, hormone therapy, sexual activity, and the timing and amount of bleeding.

Record when the bleeding began, whether it was spotting or flow, its colour, clots, pain, and whether it followed sex. Arrange an appointment with a GP or gynaecology clinician, even if the bleeding stops. Do not restart, stop, or alter hormone medicines without advice.

The assessment may include an examination and tests chosen according to your history. Mention vaginal dryness, discharge, pelvic pressure, or urinary changes, since these details can guide the next step.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, severe pelvic pain, fever, or weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for any recurrent spotting, bleeding after sex, or bleeding with a new discharge. Urgency depends on the amount of bleeding and your symptoms, not on whether bleeding is common.

Ask what may be causing the bleeding, which examination or test is appropriate, and whether medicines or vaginal tissue changes could contribute. Ask how to manage dryness or discomfort safely while the cause is being checked.