What should you know about sudden period after menopause?

After menopause, vaginal bleeding can come from thinning or irritation of the vaginal or womb lining, polyps, infection, or medication effects. Pelvic organ prolapse can also cause tissue irritation and spotting. Less commonly, bleeding can be a sign of a serious womb or cervical problem, so the symptom needs evaluation even when it is light or painless.

Bleeding can look like pink discharge, brown spotting, or a flow similar to a period. Note whether it followed sex, began after starting or changing hormone treatment, or occurred with pelvic pain, discharge, or urinary symptoms. Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, or low sex drive may help describe the menopause context but do not explain away bleeding.

Contact a gynaecology or primary-care clinician and describe the colour, amount, duration, and timing of the bleeding. List medicines and hormone treatments, and mention any pelvic pain, pressure, discharge, or recent sexual activity. Use a pad if needed so you can observe the amount; do not douche or insert products before assessment.

The clinician may examine the vagina and cervix and arrange tests such as an ultrasound or sampling, depending on your history and findings. Keep the appointment even if the bleeding stops.

Seek urgent care for heavy or rapidly increasing bleeding, dizziness, faintness, severe pelvic pain, fever, or weakness. If you take blood-thinning medicine, tell the service promptly because it may affect the urgency and evaluation.

What could be causing this bleeding? Do my medicines or hormone treatment matter? Which examination or tests are needed? What amount of bleeding or accompanying symptom should send me to urgent care?