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Abnormal Periods After Menopause

Once a woman is postmenopausal, she no longer has menstrual cycles or a menstrual period. Menopause is the phase in which the ovaries stop releasing eggs, estrogen and progesterone decrease, and menstruation is less frequent. All bleeding after menopause is considered to be abnormal, even though most cases may be due to benign causes.

  1. Uterine Bleeding

    • One postmenopausal uterine bleeding condition is uterine atrophy. Uterine atrophy is a condition that is caused by low levels of estrogen. It causes the walls in the uterus to become thin, making the uterine blood vessels weak and susceptible to spontaneous bursting.

    Vaginal Bleeding

    • Low levels of the hormone estrogen can also cause the vaginal walls to become thin and dry. After sexual intercourse, some women may find that they bleed a little due to this dryness. This bleeding may also be due to vaginal atrophy.

    Abnormal Growths

    • The irregularities between the hormones estrogen and progesterone may give way to the development of ovarian cysts and uterine polyps. Both of these growths are benign in most cases but can cause pain and bleeding.

    Endometrial Cancer

    • According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in eight postmenopausal women who experience uterine bleeding will be diagnosed with endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the lining of the uterus. Bleeding is an early sign, and it is highly treatable when found early.

    Special Considerations

    • If you experience bleeding in any stage of menopause and especially after menopause, it is best to have it investigated by a doctor. If this bleeding is accompanied by pain or dizziness, you should call your doctor right away.

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