Are the Causes of Bleeding After Menopause Dangerous? Or Just Normal Occurrences?

The causes of bleeding after menopause are numerous. Spotting during menopause is relatively common and may be normal. But anything unusual could be a symptom of a medical condition.

Regular check-ups, including a pap smear, are always important, but they are even more important as you get older. The information here should help you figure out what's "normal" and when to seek medical help.

First of all, vaginal bleeding accompanied by lower abdominal pain and fainting is an emergency situation requiring immediate medical attention. If fainting is absent, but you do have new lower abdominal pain, you need to see your doctor.

To help you figure out what's normal, you need to know if you are post-menopausal. If you have not had a monthly period for over 12 months, then you are post-menopausal. If it has been less than 12 months, a light period is probably OK, as long as you've had regular check-ups. But remember to report it to your doctor.

Once that 12 month time period has passed, then you have to consider the causes of bleeding after menopause, listed below. These things can also cause spotting during menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT is sometimes prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms, but it will also cause your periods to begin again. Those women taking HRT may experience more spotting during menopause and breast tenderness. They also have an increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots. Consult your doctor about alternative therapies.

Vaginal Irritation

This is one of the common causes of bleeding after menopause, particularly in women with vaginal dryness. Intercourse without lubrication may be the cause. Douching can increase dryness and irritation. So that may be the cause, or it could be benign cervical polyps.

Cervical Polyps

Polyps are common in women that have had several children. They would be seen during a monthly pelvic exam, and are usually removed in the doctor's office if they are causing a problem. If the polyp bursts, it bleeds a little.

Infections or Diseases

Infection can occur in any of the pelvic organs: the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. An infection can cause spotting during menopause and it is one of the causes of bleeding after menopause. Disease, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and things like fibroids can also be the problem.

But usually, a woman would be aware of these conditions before entering the menopausal years.

Urethral Prolapse

If spotting during menopause is accompanied by urinary incontinence, the cause could be urethral prolapse, a condition in which the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the body) presses against the vagina.

The cause of the condition is muscle weakness. Kegel exercises may help. Sometimes surgery is needed.

Cancer

Cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovaries or vagina must always be considered. That's the primary reason that regular check-ups, including a pap-smear, are so important.

Cancer is not one of the most likely causes of bleeding after menopause, it's just the scariest one. See your doctor. Early detection can save your life.