Post-Menopausal Bleeding

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Post-Menopausal Bleeding

Question:

I have been going through menopause for the past six years. I have not had a period in four years. I suddenly have one now. Is this normal, and is it possible to get pregnant?

Answer:

Bleeding after menopause is definitely not normal. You should contact your doctor right away.

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is defined by the absence of menstrual periods for 1 year. This means the woman has had an entire year without any bleeding. Once a woman is in menopause it is not possible to get pregnant.

There are many conditions that cause post-menopausal bleeding. Most are noncancerous (benign), but precancerous conditions and cancer of the reproductive organs must be considered. Uterine cancer often causes bleeding as an early warning sign. It is important not to miss an opportunity to diagnose and treat it early when the success rates are so much higher.

Postmenopausal bleeding requires a pelvic exam and other tests, such as pelvic ultrasound, pap smears, and a biopsy of the uterus. All women with bleeding after menopause should see their doctor as quickly as possible.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009