Vaginal Bleeding After Menopause: Care Instructions
Overview
Vaginal bleeding after menopause can have many causes. Causes may include cancer, infection, inflammation, prescription hormones, abnormal growths, or injury. Your doctor may want you to have more tests to find the cause of your vaginal bleeding.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- If your doctor gave you medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- You may be low in iron if you have heavy bleeding. Eat a balanced diet that is high in iron and vitamin C. Foods rich in iron include red meat, shellfish, eggs, beans, and leafy green vegetables. Talk to your doctor about if you need to take iron pills or a multivitamin.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through your usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours.
- You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have new or worse belly or pelvic pain.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your bleeding gets worse.
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter N304 in the search box to learn more about "Vaginal Bleeding After Menopause: Care Instructions".
Current as of: November 27, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
