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Postmenopausal Bleeding

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Postmenopausal Bleeding

(Bleeding, Postmenopausal; PMB)

Definition

Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) is vaginal bleeding that happens more than 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual period.

Female Reproductive Organs.

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Causes

Causes may be:

Risk Factors

Some health problems and medicines can raise the risk of this problem.

Symptoms

Vaginal bleeding is a symptom of PMB.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will include a pelvic exam.

The pelvic organs will need to be viewed. This can be done with:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Saline infusion sonohysterography

Cell and tissue samples will be needed for testing. This can be done with:

  • Endometrial biopsy
  • Cervical cancer screening

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent PMB.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Perimenopausal bleeding and bleeding after menopause. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/perimenopausal-bleeding-and-bleeding-after-menopause.
  • Postmenopausal bleeding. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/postmenopausal-bleeding.
  • Sonohysterography. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/hysterosono.

Contributors

  • Elizabeth Margaret Prusak, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.