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 

Parents
  • 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, 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!

  • 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!

Reply
  • 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!

Children
  • Hi, thanks for your reply. It is helpful to share my worries with someone who understands.  My daughters are older, 20 and 22. I have told the eldest, but not what it could mean. The youngest has anxiety & depression so don't want to say anything to her unless I need to. We all went for a Covid test at a drive through facility today as we're in an area with a spike of cases and that was bad enough with her as she had a panic attack. I keep swaying between thinking it will be ok & it's just a very late final period and then thinking the worst. I lost my mum to breast cancer when she was 48 so she never got to be a grandmother and that doesn't help my feelings now. Glad your results came back ok X