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Q&A

menopause · postmenopausal-bleeding

How long should postmenopausal bleeding take to investigate?

Written byEditorial Team, HormonalHealth PortalReviewed byEditorial Medical Review, MD, NAMS-CMP· Updated May 15, 2026

Any postmenopausal bleeding (12+ months after last period) warrants evaluation within 1-2 weeks. Endometrial cancer accounts for ~10% of cases — urgent workup.

The detail

Transvaginal ultrasound first (endometrial thickness >4 mm prompts biopsy). Endometrial biopsy gold standard. Hysteroscopy if biopsy non-diagnostic. Most causes benign (atrophy, polyps, hormonal therapy effects), but cancer rule-out essential. Don't delay — even one episode warrants evaluation.

Sources

SC
Reviewed by Editorial Medical ReviewBoard-certified OB/GYN · NAMS-certified · Updated 2026-05-15

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