Common Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding in Postmenopausal Women 

Author: Dr. Ekawali Gupta MBBS, MS
Consultant: Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital Mohali

The average age of menopause is fifty-one years. It occurs when the ovaries no longer produce the oestrogen required for the normal menstrual cycle. After a woman is postmenopausal, further vaginal bleeding is not normal. According to Dr Ekawali Gupta, MBBS, MS, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, bleeding after menopause should be promptly evaluated. The best pregnancy doctor in Mohali should be consulted as postmenopausal bleeding could also be due to benign or malignant tumours. 

What is Postmenopausal Bleeding? 

Postmenopausal bleeding refers to bleeding that occurs after menopause. Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life when reproductive hormones drop along with menstrual periods. Vaginal bleeding occurring more than a year after a woman’s last period is not normal. The bleeding can either be light (spotting) or heavy. 

A laparoscopic surgeon in Mohali tells us that postmenopausal bleeding is usually due to benign (noncancerous) gynaecological conditions. It can, however also be due to uterine cancer. 

What are the Causes of Postmenopausal Bleeding? 

The common causes of spotting or bleeding after menopause include: 

1. Endometrial or vaginal atrophy: It is a condition during which the lining of the uterus or vagina turns thin and dry.
2. Hormone replacement therapy: Hormones including oestrogen and progesterone supplements can cause bleeding after menopause.
3. Uterine or Endometrial cancer: Cancer in the lining of the uterus.
4. Endometrial hyperplasia: It is a condition during which the lining of the uterus becomes too thick and contains abnormal cells.
5. Uterine polyps: Abnormal growth in the uterus. 

Other causes include: 

1. Cervical cancer: Cancer in the cervix.
2. Cervicitis or endometritis: Infection or inflammation in the cervix or uterus.
3. Bleeding from other organs including the bladder or rectum or skin of the vulva.

How is the Cause of Postmenopausal Bleeding Identified? 
When you visit the best pregnancy doctor in Mohali for postmenopausal bleeding, the doctor will identify the cause of the bleeding before starting treatment. It may include: 

1. Physical examination of your vagina and cervix.
2. Pap smear test to check cervical cells.
3. Ultrasound of the vagina to check for uterine polyps.
4. Biopsy of the endometrium or uterus to check the presence of cancerous cells. 

How is Postmenopausal Bleeding Treated? 

The treatment of postmenopausal bleeding will depend on its underlying cause. Medications and surgery are the common treatment modalities. 

Medications include: 

1. Antibiotics to treat the infections of the cervix and uterus.
2. Oestrogen to help reduce vaginal dryness.
3. Progestin to treat endometrial hyperplasia. 

Surgeries include: 

1. Hysteroscopy: During this procedure, the doctor will examine your cervix and uterus with a camera. To remove any growths, the hysteroscopy will also be done with tiny surgical instruments.
2. Dilation and curettage: This is a procedure to sample the lining and contents of the uterus. This is usually done to treat endometrial hyperplasia.
3. Hysterectomy: This is a surgery to remove your uterus and cervix. You may need a hysterectomy if you have uterine cancer. This is a minimally invasive procedure during which the laparoscopic surgeon in Mohali will make a small cut on your abdomen and remove the organs. 

Postmenopausal bleeding or even spotting is not normal. If you notice bleeding after a year of your menopause, visit Dr Ekawali Gupta at the Motherhood Hospitals.

At Motherhood Hospitals, we have a team of experienced supers specialists backed by the latest infrastructure and facilities. We have the best gynaecologist in Mohali. We are experts in handling complex deliveries, gynaecological, and other surgeries including a range of laparoscopic surgeries. 

Do take an appointment with the best woman care hospital in Mohali at a centre closest to you. Meet with our doctors who will carry out the required investigations, diagnose the issue and recommend the most appropriate treatment, enabling you to lead an active life. 

If you wish to get in touch with Dr. Ekawali Gupta, please book your appointment here.