Postmenopausal bleedingOverview

Menopause is usually diagnosed in women over 45 who haven't had a period for more than a year. Any bleeding from the vagina after this needs to be checked by a GP.

See a GP if you have postmenopausal bleeding, even if:

  • it's only happened once
  • you don't have any other symptoms
  • you're not sure if it's blood

Postmenopausal bleeding isn't usually serious, but can be a sign of cancer. Cancer is easier to treat if it's found early.

What happens at your GP appointment

Your GP should refer you to hospital or a special postmenopausal bleeding clinic for further tests.

If you're over 55, you shouldn't have to wait more than 2 weeks to see a specialist. If you're under 55, you may have to wait longer.

What happens at your hospital or clinic appointment


The tests may include:

  • an examination of your pelvis and vagina
  • a thin, telescope-like camera being passed up your vagina and into your womb to look for any problems (a hysteroscopy) and to take a tissue sample (biopsy) for testing – under local or general anaesthetic

Causes of postmenopausal bleeding

There can be several causes of postmenopausal bleeding.

The most common causes are:


Less commonly, postmenopausal bleeding is caused by cancer.

Treatment for postmenopausal bleeding

Treatment depends on what's causing your bleeding.

Cause Treatment
Cervical polyps the polyps may need to be removed by a specialist
Endometrial atrophy you may not need treatment, but may be offered oestrogen cream or pessaries
Endometrial hyperplasia depending on the type of hyperplasia, you may be offered no treatment, hormone medicine (tablets or an intrauterine system, IUS) or a total hysterectomy (surgery to remove your uterus, cervix and ovaries)
Side effect of HRT changing or stopping treatment
Womb cancer total hysterectomy will often be recommended

Page last reviewed: 31/07/2017
Next review due: 31/07/2020