What should you know about polyps after menopause?

A polyp is a small growth arising from the lining of the womb or the cervix. It may cause spotting, bleeding, discharge, or no symptoms at all. After menopause, the tissues are usually thinner and bleeding is not expected, so clinicians usually investigate rather than assume a polyp explains it. A pelvic examination, ultrasound, or hysteroscopy may be used, and a tissue sample can clarify the diagnosis.

Arrange a medical review for any bleeding, spotting, or pink or brown discharge after your periods have stopped. Bring a list of medicines, including hormone treatments, and describe when the bleeding began and how much there was. Do not insert products or take hormonal medicine to treat the bleeding without advice. Symptoms linked with [Menopause](/conditions/menopause/) can occur at the same time, but they do not explain away bleeding.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, dizziness, fainting, severe pelvic pain, fever, or weakness. Contact your clinician promptly even for a single small episode of postmenopausal spotting. The urgency is based on the bleeding or associated symptoms, not on whether a polyp is common or uncommon.

Ask where the polyp is located, whether it should be removed or sampled, and what the examination involves. Ask when results will be available and which symptoms should prompt an urgent call. Mention vaginal dryness, pelvic pressure, or other symptoms so they can be assessed separately.