Bleeding after menopause

Does bleeding after the menopause always mean cancer?

No, but cancer needs to be ruled out as a possible cause.

Post menopausal bleeding is quite common. It is usually due to harmless causes. But you ought to see your doctor as it may be caused by cancer of the lining of the womb (endometrial cancer) or cancer of the cervix. About 1 in 20 cases of bleeding after the menopause are due to gynaecological cancer.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. This means any bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse in a pre-menopausal woman. Or bleeding in a post menopausal woman. Other symptoms are

  • A vaginal discharge which may smell
  • Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

But bleeding from the vagina in an older woman may not be cervical cancer. It can be caused by other gynaecological problems such as fibroids (benign growths) in the womb. It is also more commonly due to womb cancer (that is, endometrial cancer).

It is important to see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above. And you should still have regular smear tests until you are at least 64 and have had three clear smears in a row. If you are concerned about stopping smear tests, talk to your GP. You may still be able to request them.

There is a whole section of CancerHelp UK on abnormal smears and cervical cancer.