Post menopausal bleeding

hi I am 51 . No period in 3 years then stared to bleed heavily . Doctor admitted me for scan . Scan showed 6mm womb lining . Ovaries fine cervix fine have been referred for hysterectomy and biopsy . I am so worried .bleeding stopped after about 4 to 5 days . Has anyone been through this I am so worried at the moment thanks 

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  • 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 Sundial, 

     

    I am 64. I had a small bit of brown spotting a few days ago and burning sensation in lower abdomen, pelvic floor. No bleeding since and pain going away as relaxing. I overdid exercise last few weeks and I have a groin hernia and fibroids and osteoporosis. Could it be this or more serious?

     

    So scared 

  • 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!

  • Hi. I just found your messages, and appreciate a year ago so maybe I'm a little late joining the group. I had my scan this week and just waiting to hear date for biopsy and camera. It was nice to read your message. I know whatever the outcome of results, life will return to happier feelings, but stomach in permanent knot at the moment! I'm 53 x

  • Hello Hils67,

    Welcome!  I hope you get news of the date for your biopsy soon and don't have to wait too long for your appointment.  The waiting game is not nice - been there, done that!  It becomes difficult to concentrate on anything else but I tried really hard to find things to do that would distract me and allow me to forget about the negative thoughts.  Hope all goes well xx

  • 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!

Reply
  • 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!

Children
  • 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!

  • That's great news Raej!

    Gyno thought my bleeding was almost certainly a period (since the scan showed I ovulated). Plus I got another period 28 days later. The scan turned up all sorts of other stuff mind you, though none of it particularly worrying.

    Now I'm back to hot flushes again, luckily the weather is keeping me cool.

  • Hi Raej- I'm glad you got your results back and they're ok. I'm trying not to worry too much but it's difficult to try to forget about it and bad timing with it being my birthday this week and planning to go away so don't think I can get checked out until after 10th August. Thanks for replying to my message, it really helps to know there are others in this situation. 

  • Hi everyone.  I'm 54, two years plus since my last period and been bleeding this weekend.  Spoke to GP first thing today and she's referring me to the PMB clinic at the hospital.  Supposed to be working from home but been Googling like crazy instead (sure I'm not the only one!) and think I more or less know what to expect at my appointment but just not clear on what happens if the scan shows the lining is normal but detects polyps/fibroids..........do they then do the hysteroscopy or is that done solely if the lining is thickened? 

     

     

     

  • Hi.

    My lining was normal. I have a few small fibroids but nothing that warrants treatment. The doctor proposed that if I bled again he would do an urgent hysteroscopy to double check. In the meantime, I'm discharged. I don't know what they do about polpys. I'm now convinced that being stuck at home in lockdown for 4 months with teenage, hormonal daughters woke up my periods. I'm not so worried now that I've had my scan... My mum had ovarian cancer so always happy to find out mine are okay.

    Good luck with you appointment, I'm sure you'll be well looked after.

  • My lining was a little thick so now on hrt for 6 months.  If you have polyps I'm sure they would have seen them on the scan and told you.  Why not have a chat with your doctor, which I did today, to ease your mind. X

  • Hi SunfowerAli,

    I had the scan first and then was scheduled for a biopsy (hysteroscopy?) the week after. This may be because of covid restrictions, since apparently they normally do both on the same day.

    The doctor discussed the scan with me - lining was thick but she though that might mean I would get another period (which happenened) and there were a couple of fibroids which she was not worried about.

    She decided it was ok to skip the biopsy unless more unusual bleeding happened, in which case it would be done straight away. 

  • Hi there, I think its just a case of "see how you go".  I started HRT provera nearly two weeks ago and knew nothing of what may happen.  My goodness, what a shock!!!  Ive been bleeding for nearly all that time, horrific stomach cramps, and period poo.  Nobody told me any of this so I went to the doctor who was also unaware.  She investigated and I got a letter two days ago to say this was par for the course, but if symptoms didnt settle, to contact her again.  Things have improved and Im hopeful that bleeding will stop.  Im off work as I wouldnt be able to do my job, its quite a physical one, but just want to feel well again.  Please keep in touch and hopefully all will resolve itself.

  • Thanks to all who replied to my earlier post, really appreciate it.  Just a quick update, as much for future users as any, as I found it really useful to stumble across this forum and to hear about actual experiences.

     

    I had the transvaginal ultrasound on Tuesday and just received a call to book me in for a hysteroscopy on Monday.  All that I was told at the ultrasound was that I have fibroids and one is quite large.  She said the fibroids are making it a bit difficult to measure the lining thickness of my uterus.  I didn't ask more because I thought it best to try to be patient (hard!) and wait until my scan had been reviewed properly and I can speak to a Dr and they told me today that it will be a Dr doing the hysteroscopy and he/she will go through things with me then.  Told to take 2 paracetomol and 2 ibuprofen and asked if I have someone to drive me home.  Not looking forward to it (no surprise there I guess!) but glad that an investigation is being done.  Will post an update once I know more.

  • Hi there,  I had this done nearly two months ago and youre right it isnt pleasant.  Pain relief before is a must and its very uncomfortable whilst in progress but as soon as its over, the discomfort is gone.  Take sanitary wear with you.  I was ok to drive myself home but everyione is diferent and its always good to have someone with you just in case.  I wasnt allowed to have anyone with me at the procedure though.  Good luck with it all.  Im still off work for another two weeks and my dr is writing to the consultant as this is unusual to be bleeding after four weeks.  Onwards and upwards.

    Best wishes to you.