Bleeding after menopause

To self-refer to the bleeding after menopause service complete the self-referral form.

If you are unable to complete the referral form online you can contact us on the number below and the office team will be able to complete the self referral form with you over the telephone. Please have a list of your current medications to hand and allow 20 minutes to complete this over the phone.

Telephone number: 01823 213567

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

Menopause is the general term used to describe the time in a woman’s life when you may experience symptoms related to fluctuating and ultimately falling hormone levels, when you will eventually stop having monthly periods. Medically, menopause is defined by the day following 12 consecutive months without a period.

Many women do not know when their last natural period might be as they are on hormonal contraception, HRT or have had a hysterectomy.

1. Perimenopause

The time when hormone levels start to fluctuate and you may experience menopause symptoms which could include anxiety, low mood, hot flushes, brain fog and vaginal dryness, amongst many others.  Periods can change and become heavier, lighter, closer together or further apart.

2. Menopause

Defined by 12 consecutive months without a period.

3. Postmenopause

The time in your life after menopause.

Your final periods can be irregular; to be diagnosed as having gone through the menopause you will not have had a period for 12 consecutive months or longer. Unexplained bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge experienced after 12 months is called post menopausal bleeding.

It is not normal to bleed, spot or have unusual discharge 12 months or longer after your last period.

9 times out of 10 the cause of bleeding, spotting or unusual discharge after menopause is not caused by a serious illness, however it is important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional to rule out womb cancer.

Patients registered with a GP in Somerset can now can self-refer into the Bleeding After Menopause Service, which means you do not have to go to your GP in the first instance.  There are two different ways to refer into the service.  The form can be completed online or over the telephone.  The form takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and you will need a list of any medications you are on:

Please complete our online self-referral form.

Alternatively, the Bleeding After Menopause Service operates from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, please call 01823 213567.  The office team will be able to complete the self referral form with you over the telephone.

This service is only available if you are registered with a Somerset GP.

The Bleeding After Menopause Service office team will review (triage) the completed self-referral form to establish how best you could be supported. They will offer you an appointment in one of our clinics across the county, or signpost you to a more appropriate service.

If you are offered an appointment at one of the clinics, it will consist of an ultrasound scan, followed by a review with a healthcare professional.

Prior to the appointment you will be provided with detailed information about the ultrasound scan, what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment.

Our aim is to complete all your required investigations in one visit, however if the healthcare professional feels any further examinations, investigations or tests are required following your appointment, these will be explained during your appointment and will be arranged for you.