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 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.

Hi

I had ultrasounds last week, thickness is 9mm (4 Is normal) and I have a fibroid but Dr said he's not worried about that. Also did a smear test as my gp surgery isn't booking them at the moment and was due - Dr was cross about that! Told me I need the hysteroscopy but my appointment has come through for 24th September which seems ages away. I'd rather get it over with asap and find out. The appointment is also with a different Dr which is disappointing as the one I saw was very experienced and I felt confident in him (the nurse also told me she'd choose him anytime). I don't know if it's worth phoning to see if I can get seen sooner and by him. 

I was very lucky with my appointment.  I called my gp on a Monday and was seen on the Thursday.

It wasnt the consultant I was told it was going to be, but that didnt bother me.  I wish I had prepared questions to ask on the day as I was rather left in limbo as to what was happening.  In the end, he rang about two weeks later, said there was nothing sinister but my lining was slightly too thick and there would be tablets couriered to my door.  They arrived the next day.  I had no explanation as to what was to happen, what the point of the tablets were for or anythng and now a month on my gp is writing to him as they dont appear to be working.  Good luck to you with your appointment, be aware that its very uncomfortable and you will need pain relief before you go in and sanitary wear for afterwards.

I'm 52 and had my last period in January 2018, so I thought I was well and truly past the menopause. I went to bed in the early hours of yesterday morning, had my usual wee before bed and was shocked to see bright red blood on the toilet paper. 

The previous morning I had woken with a painful shoulder (which I thought was because of the way I was laying) and the pain travelled down to my lower back and I got abdominal cramps.

Anyway, I tried to sleep but called my doctor straight away when I woke up yesterday morning. She said that she was going to refer me for an urgent hospital appointment. She thought I might need a blood test in advance of this but said she would call me back. She sent me a text late yesterday afternoon (she had tried to call me twice, but both times I was driving) to say that I did need a blood test and that she'd sent the form electronically to the hospital. I just needed to call the hospital and make a blood test appointment. The phlebotomy clinic had closed for the day by then, so I called this morning. A recorded message said that they were only doing urgent blood tests at the moment because of covid and that I needed to leave my name and number and someone would call me back within 24 hours.

So, that's the stage I'm at now; waiting for the blood test phone call. I'm worried that I'm not going to hear from them today and will have to wait anxiously over the weekend.

I've read this thread and was surprised to see how many women have had a period and are ovulating again after a couple of years of no periods. My symptoms are exactly the same as when I had periods. I've had the headache, breast swelling and tenderness, lower back pain and abdominal cramps, and bright red bleeding.

I had hoped that I was through the menopause, but I really hope to goodness that this is just my periods deciding to start again after a break of over 2 1/2 years rather than something more serious.

I'm so sorry for waffling. I'm terrified! 

I'm 52 and had my last period in January 2018, so I thought I was well and truly past the menopause. I went to bed in the early hours of yesterday morning, had my usual wee before bed and was shocked to see bright red blood on the toilet paper. 

The previous morning I had woken with a painful shoulder (which I thought was because of the way I was laying) and the pain travelled down to my lower back and I got abdominal cramps.

Anyway, I tried to sleep but called my doctor straight away when I woke up yesterday morning. She said that she was going to refer me for an urgent hospital appointment. She thought I might need a blood test in advance of this but said she would call me back. She sent me a text late yesterday afternoon (she had tried to call me twice, but both times I was driving) to say that I did need a blood test and that she'd sent the form electronically to the hospital. I just needed to call the hospital and make a blood test appointment. The phlebotomy clinic had closed for the day by then, so I called this morning. A recorded message said that they were only doing urgent blood tests at the moment because of covid and that I needed to leave my name and number and someone would call me back within 24 hours.

So, that's the stage I'm at now; waiting for the blood test phone call. I'm worried that I'm not going to hear from them today and will have to wait anxiously over the weekend.

I've read this thread and was surprised to see how many women have had a period and are ovulating again after a couple of years of no periods. My symptoms are exactly the same as when I had periods. I've had the headache, breast swelling and tenderness, lower back pain and abdominal cramps, and bright red bleeding.

I had hoped that I was through the menopause, but I really hope to goodness that this is just my periods deciding to start again after a break of over 2 1/2 years rather than something more serious.

I'm so sorry for waffling. I'm terrified! 

Hi. This sounds like me in July. Bleeding after nearly three years, and just like a period - all the usual symptoms. My lining is okay, and there's no explanation for what seems to be a period. If a bleed happens again, they'll do a biosy. This month, I've had lots of cramping, but no bleeds. It's like the clock has been wound back and I'm where I was three years ago with the last of my periods. 

Annoyingly, I thought I was over the worst of the menopause, and now I'm back to square one.

I didn't have a blood test, so don't know what that means.

Hope everything turns out okay, hard not to be afraid, but the consultant discharged me because although I have small fibroids, there was no reason to suspect anything sinister. As I'm finding out, late periods do happen, but doctors don't seem to want to use that as a reason. 

Good luck.

Raej

Hi. Looking for advice/reassurance please.

I’m 61, not had a period for probably in excess of 12 yrs & have just noticed a light pink bleed/discharge. Should I be worried?

Had a TCRE 20 yrs ago due to fibroids. No bleeding then for 5yrs or so but then intermittent heavy bleeding. After a failed and painful hysteroscopy had a D and C; no bleeding since until yesterday (extremely light) and then this evening. Is this enough for me to be contacting my GP?

Thank you.

Hi

I haven't heard of needing blood tests. Try not to worry - easier said than done I know!  I had heavy bleeding for just over a week late July. 12th August I had ultrasounds and saw a consultant. Tried to take a sample but said he didnt think there was enough to test.He said I needed hysteroctopy but computer system was down so he couldn't book my appointment. Received a letter with appointment for 24th September. The waiting to know if it's anything is the worst - I don't know whether it's just the usual waiting time or if its a good sign and means the consultant thinks it's low risk. I haven't had any feedback on the scans or sample. Trying not to think about it too much but it's hard. Not had any further bleeding. 

Glad to have found this forum to share our experiences. 

Hi 

From what ive read, I think that any bleeding post menopause needs to be checked so I would definitely contact your doctor.

Best wishes

Thanks for your reply. I really hope it's just a blip and that my body has decided to have a period again. I won't be impressed if I've got to start the whole menopause process again, but would rather that than anything worse. 

I wonder why doctors don't want to acknowledge late periods as a possibility? Perhaps they think that women won't take it seriously enough to contact their doctor and will just assume that any bleeding after menopause is just a late period. Obviously something more could be missed if that's the case. In all the articles I've read (while busily googling this and scaring myself silly), I've not seen late periods as an explanation at all. 

Thanks for your reply. 

It is easier said than done not to worry, but I'm trying to keep positive. It must be a worry to have to wait until 24th September, but hopefully they think you're low risk. Do let me know how you get on. 

I didn't get a call back from the hospital so I'll have to wait until Monday now to get a blood test appointment. I did receive a letter from my doctor to say that I'd been referred to the hospital for further investigation.

I also did some searching around for articles about late periods and was surprised to find little mention. I do think doctors don't want women ignoring these bleeds because although the risk of cancer is small, bleeding is a reliable early warning sign and the cancer is caught early with good outcomes. The consultant told me the likelihood was very low and I came away reassured that if it happens again, I would seen quickly and undergo more procedures. In other words, don't ignore it, but don't worry. I've a history of fibroids, plenty of scar tissue from operations, so I think this is complicating my menopause. I also can't take HRT.

Try not to scare yourself. My GP thought I had a late period, but couldn't confirm it.

Hi there, personally, I would contact your gp.  Im 58, no periods for at least 5 years and then in July, spotting began.  Had a biopsy done, slightly thick lining, so put on provera, a progesterone tablet.  After 4 weeks continual bleeding, it stopped and Im now hopefully ok til the next biopsy in January.  Never ignore bleeding.  Its probably nothing but its always best to get it checked out.  Let us know how you get on.  Its a bit of a mind bender especially as I thought Id done with the menopause having sailed through it.

Thank you Jan64 & Vulcan, I will take your advice.

Let me know how you get on. 

Take care x