Is Postmenopausal Vaginal Bleeding Normal? Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | Gen S Life Insights

Is Postmenopausal Vaginal Bleeding Normal? Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding from the vagina after menopause is a signal that something may be wrong. Ideally, after menopause, ovarian function ceases, and the uterine lining should measure around 3mm on ultrasound. Any bleeding or mucus discharge should be carefully evaluated.

👉 Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Polyps: Grape-like growths can form if the uterine lining thickens or folds.

• HOD Triad: Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes significantly increase the risk of uterine issues. Women with at least two of these factors need closer monitoring.

• History of PCO: Women with polycystic ovaries, especially with excess hair growth on the face or body, should regularly check for endometrial thickening, as ignoring it may lead to cancer.

👉 Diagnosis

Any postmenopausal bleeding should be treated seriously. The initial step is a sonography to assess the uterine lining. If thickening is observed, a Dilation and Curettage (DNC) with hysteroscopy is performed. This allows a visual inspection and precise sampling, avoiding blind procedures. Pathology tests are conducted on the sample, and frozen section facilities can provide immediate evaluation of precancerous or cancerous lesions.

👉 Treatment

• Polyp removal: Only the polyp is removed if no other issues exist.

• Hysterectomy: In cases of detected pathology, a laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy may be advised, minimizing pain and promoting faster recovery.

• Post-surgery care: Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and constipation for six weeks to ensure proper healing.

Gen S Life emphasizes awareness and early detection, helping women understand when to seek medical advice and ensuring safer management of postmenopausal bleeding.