Postmenopausal Bleeding

Bleeding after menopause is not considered normal. If you have gone 12 months or more without a period and notice any spotting or bleeding, it is important to talk with an OB-GYN. While the cause is often treatable, postmenopausal bleeding should always be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions.

MyObgyne offers evaluation for postmenopausal bleeding in San Tan Valley, AZ. We provide careful assessment, recommended testing, and clear guidance on next steps based on your symptoms and health history.

What Is Postmenopausal Bleeding?

Postmenopausal bleeding refers to any vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Bleeding may appear as light spotting, brown discharge, or bleeding that feels similar to a period. Even if it happens once, it should not be ignored.

Common Causes of Postmenopausal Bleeding

Several conditions can cause bleeding after menopause. Some are related to tissue changes that occur with lower estrogen, while others require more urgent evaluation.

• Vaginal or endometrial atrophy: lower estrogen can cause thinning of vaginal tissue or the uterine lining, which may lead to irritation and bleeding, sometimes after sex
• Polyps: noncancerous growths in the cervix or uterus can cause irregular bleeding and may need removal
• Endometrial hyperplasia: thickening of the uterine lining, sometimes related to excess estrogen, which can include abnormal cells
• Hormone therapy: some forms of hormone therapy can cause bleeding, especially early in treatment
• Endometrial cancer: less common, but postmenopausal bleeding can be an early symptom, which is why evaluation is important

When to See a Provider

Schedule an appointment if you experience:

• Any vaginal bleeding after 12 months without a period
• Light spotting or heavier bleeding
• Bleeding after sex
• Persistent spotting or discharge that is bright red or brown

If bleeding becomes heavy or feels similar to a menstrual period, seek prompt medical care.

Diagnosis and Testing

Evaluation begins with a review of your symptoms, when they started, how long they have lasted, and the amount of bleeding. Your provider will also review medical history and medications.

Recommended testing may include:

• Pelvic exam
• Transvaginal ultrasound to assess the thickness of the uterine lining
• Endometrial biopsy to check for abnormal or precancerous cells when indicated
• Hysteroscopy or dilation and curettage (D&C) if further evaluation is needed

These tests help identify the cause and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and your test results. Options may include:

• Vaginal estrogen for thinning tissue when appropriate
• Polyp removal when a growth is found
• Progesterone therapy for endometrial hyperplasia or hormone imbalance
• Referral and treatment planning if precancerous changes or cancer are diagnosed

Your provider will explain results clearly and review next steps based on your diagnosis.

Do Not Wait to Get Checked

Postmenopausal bleeding is often caused by treatable conditions, but it should always be evaluated. Prompt care supports accurate diagnosis and faster treatment when needed.

For postmenopausal bleeding evaluation in San Tan Valley, AZ, schedule an appointment with MyObgyne to review symptoms, testing options, and a plan for care.