The stage of life when women have had no periods for one year and beyond is called menopause. When this occurs naturally there should never be any menstrual bleeding again. There are many causes for bleeding after menopause that are harmless. However, when we age, cancers become more common so it is important to have any bleeding checked. Bleeding occurs from many areas, including the rectum, vagina, and urinary system. An exam will usually be needed to help find the source.

Some causes of bleeding from the vagina include:
* sex,
* any thing left inside, like a tissue or tampon,
* infections,
* blood diseases,
* medicines or hormones taken for other problems, or
* growths from the vagina or womb, like polyps or lining abnormalities.

To find the cause and treatment you may need to have these tests:
* careful inspection of the female openings, possibly with instruments,
* sampling of cells from the female tube and womb, including a Pap smear,
* ultrasound, a test using sound waves to see inside organs, or
* scopes, like small telescopes that go inside the body to get a close-up look or sample.

No treatment may be needed. If treatment is necessary, it may include hormones, antibiotics, or surgery. Most causes of bleeding after menopause are easily treated.

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