Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia at 21 - what now?

After 18 months of trying to figure out why I was having painful, heavy, almost constant bleeding, I had some uterine polyps removed in October. During the procedure the doctor noticed some thickening of the endometrium that she didn't like the look of and took a biopsy. The biopsy results have come back confirming I have Endometrial Hyperplasia with Atypical cells. She said this is unusual at my age. She also said that it's not always the case but there is a small possibility of early cancer. She has asked that I start a high dose of progesterone 2 times a day for the next 2 months and then I'll have to have a new biopsy taken. 

Endometrial Hyperplasia was mentioned multiple times over the past 18 months, one gynaecologist even tried to refer me via 2 week wait this time last year because of concerning test results and me having risk factors but it was rejected because I'm too young. Anytime I said I was scared that it was something more serious than just an irregular cycle I was told I was too young for something sinister to being going on.

I am so scared. I don't know what to do with myself, or who to talk to. I can't stop crying. Both my mother and my grandmother have been diagnosed with different types of cancer this year. 

Could somebody who's been through this maybe explain the process? Or just reassure me? I feel so alone.. 

  • Hi, Lobp29

    Aw I'm sorry your feeling like this! I actually feel the same way as you, so your definitely not alone! I can't stop crying either.

    So I've been having problems with heavy, long periods with huge clots for at least 2 years now (maybe longer if I'm being honest). I have polycystic ovaries so put it down to that at first and then I finally plucked up the courage to speak to the GP about it all and they sent me for an internal ultrasound scan which found I had a thick endometrial lining so was referred to the gynaecologist. After waiting 6 months to see them after my scan, they said they wanted to do a Hysteroscopy & biopsy. I had that done on Wednesday and before the procedure she said she didn't anticipate seeing anything bad. As soon as she got the camera into my womb it felt like panic stations! Which obviously made me panic and get upset, anyway she ended up taking multiple biopsies and is sending them off for urgent testing, but said it would prob take 3-4 weeks! The doctor barely said anything to me other than 'it doesn't look innocent'. I started crying again and said oh I left it too long before getting it looked at and she said nothing! Which is making me think how bad does it actually look then. So like most people I'm assuming the worst! I feel like all I've done since Wednesday is cry. How long did it take for your results to come back after having the biopsy? Did they call you in to discuss the results or tell you over the phone?

    I'm sorry I can't offer you any advice on what might be next, but your definitely not alone going through this.

    Hope everything goes well, take care x

  • Hi,

    I myself am waiting the biopsy results from last weeks D and C so I have been reading up on this. There are some really good UK and American sites that explain the implications of the results.

    My understanding is they are not saying you have cancer. However, the cells in the uterus lining are changing and are at risk of shifting to cancer if left untreated and ignored. 
     

    They are going to reverse the changes by using Progestrone. They want to see the uterus cells go back to normal so they will keep monitoring with biopsies to check the Progestrone is working to achieve this.