Overview

Causes

Causes of postmenopausal bleeding may be:

  • Continuous hormone replacement therapy
  • Changes in the lining of the uterus
  • Loss of vaginal elasticity
  • Noncancerous growths on the uterus or cervix
  • Infection of the uterus or cervix
  • Uterine or cervical cancer
  • Fibroid tumors in the uterus or vagina

Risk Factors

Some health problems and medicines can raise the risk of postmenopausal bleeding.

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Vaginal bleeding is a symptom of postmenopausal bleeding.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical and pelvic exam will be done.

The pelvic organs will need to be viewed. This can be done with:

  • A transvaginal ultrasound
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Saline infusion sonohysterography

Cell and tissue samples will be needed for testing. This can be done with:

  • Endometrial biopsy
  • Cervical cancer screening

Treatments

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent postmenopausal bleeding.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.