Thickening of the womb after menopause

The womb lining, or endometrium, normally becomes thin after menopause because hormone levels change. A scan may show that it is thicker than expected, but a scan alone cannot identify the cause. Reasons can include hormone-related changes, a womb polyp, overgrowth of the lining, or less commonly cancer. A thickened lining does not itself prove cancer; the direction of concern is from the condition to the symptom, not from the symptom to a diagnosis.

Bleeding after menopause includes spotting, pink or brown discharge, or a heavier episode after periods have stopped. It should be assessed even when it happens once or seems small. Some people have no bleeding and still need follow-up because of an ultrasound finding.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or the clinician who arranged your scan. Take the scan report and note when menopause occurred, any bleeding or discharge, and medicines such as hormone therapy or tamoxifen. The clinician may recommend a pelvic examination, repeat ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or a small sample of the womb lining. These choices depend on your symptoms, scan appearance, and medical history.

Do not douche or place products in the vagina before an examination. Keep a record of bleeding, including its colour and amount, and mention pelvic pressure or pain. You may also find related information about Menopause, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, and vaginal symptoms such as Vaginal Dryness.

Contact a clinician promptly for any bleeding after menopause, recurrent discharge, or new pelvic pain. Seek urgent help if bleeding is heavy, you feel faint, or severe pain develops. Fever, weakness, or a bad-smelling discharge also needs prompt assessment because infection or another pelvic problem may need treatment.

Ask what the scan measured, whether the lining looks regular, and whether you need a biopsy or hysteroscopy. Ask how your medicines affect the result, when follow-up should happen, and which bleeding changes should lead you to contact the clinic sooner.