According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, menopause occurs around the ages of 51 and 52 in women. During menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen, which stops a woman's period. When a woman does not have her period for at least a year, she is considered postmenopausal. According to Dr. Rosalina Abboud at the Mayo Clinic, "no amount of vaginal bleeding or spotting after menopause is normal." If postmenopausal bleeding does occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Abnormal Bleeding
According to the Mayo Clinic, the amount of blood from postmenopausal bleeding can vary in quantity, but all levels indicate a problem. For some women, light bleeding, which appears as droplets of blood, can occur. Other women may have bleeding that resembles menstruation and requires a sanitary pad or tampon. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in eight women who have bleeding after menopause are diagnosed with cancer; any vaginal bleeding should be reported to the woman's doctor.
Endometrial Problems
Postmenopausal bleeding as a symptom can indicate problems with the woman's endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the types of endometrial problems vary greatly. Some women suffer from endometrial atrophy, which is the thinning of the uterine lining; other women have endometrial hyperplasia, which is an excessive buildup of the uterine lining. When postmenopausal bleeding is left untreated, it can develop into endometrial cancer, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Polyps
Polyps, which are noncancerous growths, can be indicated by postmenopausal bleeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a woman who has postmenopausal bleeding may have polyps along the lining of her uterus. Postmenopausal bleeding can be alleviated if the polyps are removed, either through surgery or using medication.
