Hello Luc50,

I'm in a similar boat.  I am 52.  Hadn't had a period for 18 months, then had bleeding.  Went for an ultrasound and also had a hysteroscopy at the same appointment.  The ultrasound detected the thickness of my uterine lining was at 8mm.  The hysteroscopy showed fibroids.  They took a biopsy and I was told I would get the results in 1-2 weeks time.  It's 2 weeks today and after ringing I was told they have a backlog of typing and so no letter has gone out and they can't give me any information as yet.  My bleeding stopped just under a week ago so I'm pleased about that but the waiting game is tough.  Without having the bleeding, I have been able to forget about things a bit but on the whole have had a pretty rubbish few first weeks with dark thoughts and lots of crying.  I'm now trying to carry on with a positive attitude as there's not much I can do until I get some results.  It is very worrying but in the meantime I keep trying to keep myself informed so that when I get to talk to someone medical, I will at least understand what they're talking about.  I have also started to eat better and tried to lose weight - have lost half a stone in the last two weeks - as I understand that oestrogen excess can be caused by being overweight.  Have you had a hysteroscopy?  Not a pleasant experience!  If you haven't yet, and you have to have one, I only read after having had mine that it helps to take a couple of paracetemol before you have it!  And make sure you have someone who can drive you home afterwards!  I'm presuming that if my biopsy shows that it's got abnormal cells, then I'll be heading for a hysterectomy but if they're not abnormal, it'll be hormone treatment first.  Seems like you've had a different suggestion as to what happens next with your treatment but I would have thought they'd have to see the results of your biopsy before recommending a hysterectomy.  Or maybe they mean a hysteroscopy (the camera) first rather than a hysterectomy?  Anyway, I wish you all the best and to hear from you again.:)

Ho ladies.

I've been down this route and believe me the waiting is by far the worst. Once you know what you’re dealing with, whatever that is, it is much easier. I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in April 2018, had a hysterectomy, further surgery for removal of lymph nodes and three sessions of internal radiotherapy. I got my all clear in April of this year and am on regular checks now. 

Just to say if you have  any questions now or in the future just ask and I’ll be happy to answer them based on my experience.

Sending a virtual squeeze from my hand to yours.

Sundial

Hi thank you for the reply . I am just waiting for the results after biopsy and hysterectomy. What were your symptoms sis they say anything to you after the hysterectomy. Consultant  told me as far as he was concerned all looked fine in there bar black blood he had to scrape away probably due to the recent bleeding . Obviously that can’t know till they get the results from the womb lining but he said there were no build up of tissue etc or anything that looked sinister in his opinion . Obviously I am still a bit worried till I get those results .

Hi

I had a hysterectomy. My surgeon said everything looked as he expected but they’d got it all out. I had already been told at my hysteroscopy that there was something suspicious in the lining. It was a shock however when they upgraded the original biopsy grade from 1 to 3 after histology. Surgeon says it sometimes happens. 

I had no other obvious symptoms apart from four bouts of post menopausal bleeding. In retrospect I did have a sore left hip and years of severe constipation. However they told me I had a large cyst on the ovary they removed from that side and that was probably the cause. Those symptoms have now disappeared. 

The bleeding was misdiagnosed three times and it was eighteen  months after the first time that I was referred to the hospital. That probably explains the upgrading. However I was lucky it hadn’t reached the lymph nodes and I only had three sessions of internal radiotherapy to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.

Hoping that your results come through soon and are good.

Sundial

Hello ladies,

May I ask whether your post menopausal bleeding felt like a period or was it just bleeding with no other symptoms? I'm nearly 53, last had a period in 2017 and yesterday started with brown discharge, a vague period pain feeling and a headache which won't shift - I always got these type of headaches with a period. I am thinking it is just a very, very late and hopefully last period. 

Prior to this I had been having phantom period pains for months, including pain down the front of my legs which I used to get prior to my periods. I had an ultrasound scan on my womb last year with no evidence of any abnormality. The phantom period pains eventually went away. 

Thanks for reading.

Hi

i was 64 when I had my hysterectomy and hadn’t had a period for 10 years. I had no pains just bleeding. 

Sundial

Thanks Sundial

I am nearly sure mine is just a very late period. They don't mention pain as a symptom for uterine cancer, just unexplained bleeding. I'm wondering whether to bother going to the GP. It is the period headache which has more or less convinced me it's nothing to worry about. 

Hi my post menopausal bleeding felt just like a period . I had stomach cramps and sore back lasted 4 to 5 days just like my normal period did even though I had not had a period for three years . Hysterectomy showed up everything looked ok no masses no build up off cells . My uterus lining was six mm should be 4. I am awaiting results from byopsy for this and trying to remain positive get them in a weeks time .

Well ladies my endometrium was 16mm so quite a difference.

Sundial

Hi Luc50, your symptoms sound like mine at the moment. I do hope you have a positive result in a week's time. It certainly looks very promising from what the doctor said but I'm sure the waiting is awful. 

I do have a family history. My mum's only sister had womb cancer and her dad's only sister also had womb cancer. Neither had had children which is a risk factor I have read (neither do I).

In fact my auntie only found out she needed a hysterectomy after being admitted to a trial - she was given an internal ultrasound whereas others were given blood tests or no preemptive treatment. She was very lucky to have been offered to take part in the trial, and to be given the ultrasound. 

I've now decided to definitely go to the GP. 

Hello all.

Looks like I'm playing the waiting game again.  I was expecting my biopsy results within 1-2 weeks of my appointment but have received a letter over the weekend (so nearly 3 weeks) with just another appointment date which isn't until the 14th June - no information about the results, nothing.  I was kind of expecting that the letter would give me some indication of what is going on and what might happen next.  Do they prefer to let you know things face to face rather than by letter?  Is it normal that I have to wait over 5 weeks until I am actually told what's happening - ie,whether I have cancerous cells or not and do I need a hysterectomy?  I will ring and check with the clinic tomorrow but I think they will just tell me again that they can't say anything over the phone.

This waiting must be awfull for you . I know how I feel and I am getting results a week later for edimetrial byopsy and hydroscopy for post menopausal bleeding . I went private as waiting was so long . I find the waiting torture as everything goes through you’re mind . I really hope you get your results soon thinking of you . X

This waiting must be awfull for you . I know how I feel and I am getting results a week later for edimetrial byopsy and hydroscopy for post menopausal bleeding . I went private as waiting was so long . I find the waiting torture as everything goes through you’re mind . I really hope you get your results soon thinking of you . X

Was there a lot of bleeding, what colour was it? 

Here's my recent experience...

I'm 53 and after almost 2 years with no period and all the usual menopause symptoms I had what seemed to be a completely normal period. The doctor & the first gynaecologist both found this worrying so referred me for a scan. This showed that I actually had ovulated and really did have a normal period. 28 days later, I have just started another one.

I am sharing this to let women know that, although unusual, it is quite possible to have a period well after 1 year without. I could not find examples of this anywhere on the web, but in fact it does happen, according to the second gynaecologist I spoke to.

So if you get a period after 1 year without, please do get checked, but don't panic.

If it feels like a normal period, it might well be just that!

Hi, I’m so reassured to read this as this has just happened to me. I’m 52, had my last period 2 years ago. About 2 weeks ago, I felt tenderness in my pelvic region, and my breasts were sore and swollen. 10 days later, I had a period lasting 5 days. My GP has referred me for ultrasound which I will have on Monday. It feels just like a normal period so I’m hoping that is all it is 

Good luck Jacey1 and let us know how you get on.

A late period is not mentioned on any of the sites that I have seen as a reason for bleeding, and yet it can happen!

I'm nearly 53, not had a period in 2.5 years, and this week I'm bleeding lightly and cramping badly. My GP has referred me to the cancer elinimation clinic... Now terrified because the hospital rang me back the same day with an appointment this week... Gulp. I feel like I'm having a period, I even thought I'd ovulated a couple of weeks back, but I also have fibroids and have had fibroids removed in the past. I can't find anything about periods this late into menopause, so you've reassured me it's possible. Just hope I get the all clear for cancer as quickly as possible. 

Hi Raej,

My bleeding turned out to be a very late period, but right up until I spoke with a great gunaecologist to discuss the test results, I was treated as a priority potential cancer patient, with quick appointments. Makes you scared, but it doesn't really mean anything at this stage.

Good luck and let us know your results!

Hi, thank you for posting this message. I'm 55 and not had a period for over 2 years. Started bleeding last Tuesday and has been heavy for 6 days now. Called GP on Friday and she said it's treated as a red flag so should get appointment for tests within 2 weeks. I'm due to go away this Wednesday (birthday surprise with my daughters) and booked a cottage for a week from 1st August. So unless I get an appointment today or tomorrow it won't be until after the 2 weeks. I'm trying not to panic about possible outcomes but it's very scary and I don't want to worry my daughters. 

Had the scan, and lining is normal, if a little scarred by c-sections. Still got small fibroids. Doctor couldn't confirm what had caused the bleed, nor could he say it was a period. No evidence of cancer, so discharged but it if happens again, then I'll be fast tracked for a biopsy to double check. Relieved if a little confused since I thought I was well done with periods!

I didn't tell my daughters (11 and 15). I'm convinced being in lockdown with them all day for over 3 months has triggered a return of my periods.

I hope everything goes okay. It's very hard not to worry, but the consultant reassured me most cases aren't due to cancer. 

Hi Jan64,

There are lots of possibilities for the bleeding, including very late period and "just don't know". Cancer is probably the least likely.  You've done the right thing by checking with the doctor, since even if it is potential cancer you will catch it early. So I hope you can enjoy your break. Maybe you can call the hospital to push for an appointment before you leave? (The hospital I went to was VERY quiet). Let us know how you get on!