EveryWoman Health | Specialising in Menopause Management
Book a Consultation

British Menopause Society–Registered Clinic Face-to-Face, Video & Telephone Consultations No Waiting List No GP Referral Required

What Is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding?

EveryWoman Health | Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

If you experience any of the vaginal bleeding patterns below, it is important that you contact your doctor to arrange an assessment as soon as possible:

POSTMENOPAUSAL BLEEDING: This is bleeding or spotting that occurs after at least 12 months of not having periods. However, if you are on HRT, light and short-lived vaginal spotting can be normal when first starting treatment and whenever the dose or type of HRT is changed up to 6 months from whenever the change was made. Nevertheless, if the bleeding is heavy in nature or prolonged, it is prudent to book an appointment with your GP for examination +/- further investigation to rule out other important causes.

POSTCOITAL BLEEDING: Bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse.

INTERMENSTRUAL BLEEDING: Bleeding or spotting in between periods if you are not known to have irregular periods.

Or if your periods that have become heavier and/or more erratic and/or prolonged in length.

What Will My Doctor Do To Help?

What Is Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding? | EveryWoman Health

Your doctor will:

  • Take a detailed medical history including details of your specific bleeding pattern, family history, gynaecological history, obstetric history, sexual history, drug history…etc
  • Examine your tummy and vagina including inspecting the neck of your womb (cervix).

Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor might also:

  • Take a vaginal swab to rule out infection.
  • Request blood tests (e.g. full blood count +/- thyroid function)
  • Perform a pregnancy test.
  • Make a referral for a pelvic ultrasound.
  • Make a referral for a hysteroscopy (camera to look inside your womb) +/- taking a sample of the womb-lining (biopsy).

There are many causes for abnormal bleeding patterns that are completely harmless but it is important not to ignore this symptom and to be reviewed by a doctor to rule out more serious causes.

** Please kindly refrain from requesting personal medical advice in the comments section as we are not indemnified to provide advice to people who are not formally under our care and will not be able to respond to these comments. If you are in need of specialist advice, please book an appointment with our Menopause Specialist here. **