By Dr. Shakuntla Shukla,Gynaecology

Menstruation is a natural process in women that begins in puberty and continues for a substantial period of time. This process ensures not only the health of a woman but also indicates the time until which she can conceive. Generally, after 45 and 55 years of age, women no longer have any vaginal bleeding for more than a year, initiating a period known as menopause. Though this period is marked by no bleeding, sometimes women may experience intermittent postmenopausal bleeding. This condition, though apparently may seem harmless, requires the immediate medication and a visit by the doctor.

There are many causes that contribute to this. Some of them are-

1. Development of Polyps
Sometimes, the development of polyps either on the uterus or on the cervical canal can be held as an important reason for instances of postmenopausal bleeding.

2. Thinning of Endometrium
The uterus is lined by a tissue known as the endometrium. After menopause, owing to low estrogen level, the wall may be thinned which can contribute to bleeding post menopause.

3. Thickening of Uterus
Often times, after menopause, the walls of the uterus may become thickened leading to bleeding after menopause.

4.  Uterine Cancer
If bleeding persists after menopause, it may be indicative of uterine cancer which will subsequently require immediate medication.

5. Infection
Sometimes infections in the uterus or in the cervix can be a reason for the bleeding.