Post-menopausal bleeding

If you experience any bleeding from the vagina after 12 months or more of not having a period, you need to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Certain tests, such as an ultrasound, blood tests, a speculum exam, and an HPV test, may be recommended. This bleeding could be caused by something benign, such as fibroids, vaginal atrophy, or cervical polyps, but your healthcare provider will need to investigate to rule out a serious condition such as endometrial or uterine cancer.

Bring a list of any medications you are taking, including any herbal remedies or alternative therapies, with you when you speak to your healthcare provider. If you can, take notes on when any bleeding occurs (for example, after intercourse), how much bleeding you experienced and for how long (was it spotting or similar to a period?), and any other symptoms you have had (things like abnormal or foul-smelling discharge, abdominal or pelvic pain).

If you are bleeding so heavily that you are soaking through one or more pads in under an hour, you should go to your local emergency room right away.