The most common causes are: inflammation and thinning of the vaginal lining (atrophic vaginitis) or womb lining (endometrial atrophy) – caused by lower estrogen levels. cervical or womb polyps – growths that are usually non-cancerous. The bleeding can be light (spotting) or heavy. Postmenopausal bleeding is usually due to benign (noncancerous) gynecological conditions such as endometrial polyps. Postmenopausal bleeding occurs in about 10% of women over 55. It’s normal to have irregular vaginal bleeding in the years leading up to menopause. But if you have bleeding more than a year after your last menstrual period, it’s time to see your healthcare provider. It could be the result of a simple infection or benign growth. But in rare cases, bleeding could be a sign of uterine cancer.