The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines menopause as the absence of a menstrual period for one year. The average age for menopause in women is approximately 51 years, with most women experiencing menopause between ages 45 and 55. During a normal menstrual cycle, the levels of the body's hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, and allow the egg to be released and fertilized. When progesterone decreases, the lining of the uterus, or endometrium, is shed, and bleeding occurs, which is menstruation. Bleeding after menopause is considered abnormal, and there are several causes.
Endometrial Hyperplasia
When the lining of the endometrium thickens, it is known as endometrial hyperplasia. This occurs when there are high estrogen levels and low progesterone levels. This leads to irregular or heavy bleeding in women after menopause.
Polyps
Polyps are common, noncancerous growths that can attach to the surface of the endometrium. They can also be found on the cervix, the part of the uterus that connects with the vagina. Polyps can cause abnormal or heavy bleeding, and the polyps on the cervix can cause bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Hormonal Therapy
OBGYN.net states that hormonal replacement therapy is a main cause of bleeding during menopause. During menopause, women experience a decrease in estrogen, and are placed on estrogen replacement therapy. Low levels of estrogen can cause thinning of the endometrium, and blood vessels may break. This can lead to bleeding in women undergoing menopause.
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer can occur when abnormal cells line the uterus. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that bleeding is the most common sign of endometrial cancer in women during menopause.
