Period back after menopause: what to know

Menopause is reached after a sustained period without menstrual bleeding. Bleeding afterwards can come from delicate vaginal or cervical tissue, polyps, infection, medication effects, or changes in the womb lining. A clinician may also need to rule out a more serious cause. The bleeding does not by itself identify the cause.

Note the colour, amount, timing, pain, discharge, and any medicines such as hormone therapy or blood thinners. Vaginal dryness can make tissue more likely to bleed after sex, but it still deserves assessment.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or primary-care clinician. They may ask about your menopause history and medicines, examine the vagina and cervix, and arrange an ultrasound or a sample from the womb lining when appropriate. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Keep a brief record of each episode and bring it to the appointment.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or continuous, you feel faint or unusually weak, have severe pelvic pain, fever, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can signal significant blood loss or another condition needing prompt treatment.

Ask what might be causing the bleeding, whether your medicines could contribute, which examination or scan is suitable, and when you should return if it happens again.