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 Alison

Yes, the waiting is almost the worst thing! I had my initial hospital scans and checks on 12th August, booked for a hysteroscopy next Thursday - such a long gap, which I'm hoping means they didnt see anything too worrying. Didnt get any official results from the hospital though and my GP surgery havent either. It is scary when you search online, but this group definitely helps. Let me know how you get on. 

Janet 

Hi

Thankyou for letting me know about your experience of the hysteroscopy - mine is next Thursday and I have been feeling anxious about it, partly because of the long wait since my original scans (12th August). I hate needles so Im hoping not to need any anaesthetic, but will dose up on paracetamol and ibuprofen. I had a general 50+ health check at my GP surgery yesterday and that involved a blood test, but they had no notes about my hospital scans. Not looking forward to having to wait another month until I get some results! Trying to put it to the back of my mind, but sometimes it's difficult. Good to be able to share experiences and worries on here! 

Take care x 

Hi 

Good luck tomorrow, please let me know how you get on. 

You're the only person Ive seen mention having to have a blood test in relation to this. I had my 50+ health check at the GPs yesterday which included a blood test. Hope you manage to book your's. 

Take care x 

I wasn't particularly aware of actually being given the local anaesthetic, Dr just told me he was going to do it, so I hope you have a similar experience. 
 

I got my result today and was told my womb lining is normal so no further tests needed. Just to go to GP if I have recurring bleeding or another episode of bleeding more than 6 months from now. Plus I have to see the GP in a few weeks to make sure Mirena coil strings are in right place.  It seems it might be quite common to have a very late last period of sorts a couple years after the last one. Nothing much about that online, I guess so as not to make women think they won't bother to going to see their GP if they have a bleed as it's important to get it checked.  I'm going to make a big effort to lose weight now as well as the Dr told me what I'd also read, that fat cells produce oestrogen, which thickens the womb lining. Hence why he put in the Mirena coil to counteract the oestrogen with progesterone but my goal is to not need a replacement when it's time to have it removed!

All the best anyway!

Hi

Glad to hear your results have come back ok. 

it does seem that a very late period is a possibility, but the medical profession don't want anyone just assuming it's that and not getting checked out. The consultant I saw also stressed the importance of weight so I know that I need to address that as well. Definitely gone off track during lockdown, especially as I was made redundant in February. Need to get my head in the right place - did Slimming World a couple of years ago and lost over 2 1/2 stone, but it's mostly crept back on. 

I thought the muzzy headedness of the menopause, insomnia, weak bladder etc was bad enough! 

Take care x 

Hi Jan 64,  Good luck with your appointment,  hope it goes well , I've just got my first appointment for the hospital next Wednesday. Drs have got my blood test results so I have to ring in the morning to try and get a phone appointment . Why do they make us wait for these things , we need to know asap . Anyway fingers crossed for you . Keep in touch 

Hi All, 

your posts have been good to read.  I'm going through similar - had the non hormonal coil removed nearly three years ago as either it had dislodged and caused a very heavy period, or the period had dislodged it. The heavy period was one of many signs of perimenopause and I went on the pill straight after having the coil removal. Had my last period two and a half years ago, so I thought I was through the menopause, I haven't had any other symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, etc) since then either.

I came off the pill in May and thenlast month I had very sore nipples for a few days and started my period. Heavy, painful, horrible period. I did a bit of research and saw that a one off period isn't unusual so didn't do anything about it. Then last Friday, it was Shark Week again. And heavy, painful, horrible again. Spoke to my doc Monday and she wants to rule out cancer so went in for a cervix exam Tuesday and she took a swab as my next smear is due soon anyway. She referred me for a FSH and Iron levels blood test and I managed to get that done today. I couldn't give blood last month as my iron levels were too low. They want 125 and I was 116 (and 115 and below gets a letter about anaemia sent to your doc).  I'm also referred for an ultrasound but not confirmed if a belly or vagina one, I'm guessing vagina? 

Did anyone else get their iron levels tested? 

Hi LeanneP, my Dr did 3 blood tests and a urine test , didn't explain what they were for and I was too worked up to ask . If I get the chance to speak to them today I will ask this time. I've got my first hospital visit next Wednesday i'll let you know what they do.  It would be nice if everything was explained  better , it would help us stop guessing so much? Good luck and keep in touch .

Yes, I had a blood test and my iron levels and fsh were tested (along with urea levels I think).

The results were sent directly to my consultant and I didnt hear any mention of them again

Hi, everything went well yesterday. I managed to finally get in for my blood test last Friday. 

Yesterday I had an abdominal and vaginal ultrasound scan. Then I went for my hysteroscopy. It really did feel like crampy period pains. There was a huge monitor for the consultant's use and she said it was fine if I wanted to look, or I could just close my eyes or zone out.

Anyway, I looked at the screen and I was fascinating to look at my own cervix and uterus. The ultrasound showed my uterus wall to be slightly thickened at 5.8mm, but there were no fibroids or polyps and the gynae couldn't find anything concerning. She did take a biopsy as she was there just to be doubly sure, but said that as the bleeding I had described was just like a period (tender swollen breasts, cramping, headache, bleeding for 4-5 days), it was likely that it was exactly that.

I did experience some pretty bad cramping pain for about half an hour after the procedure (but I think that was more likely from the biopsy). It made my drive home a bit challenging to begin with, as the pain radiated from my lower abdomen down the front of my thighs and made me feel a bit weak and wobbly. However, it soon passed. The bleeding from the procedure has stopped already and I'm completely pain free.

I've been told that this was probably my body's last attempt at having a period and that if I get another one, I should contact my GP and ask for a blood test to check my hormone levels. 

Thanks for all your support ladies. I appreciate it. 

I'll still be around to try to support others who are going through this. 

All the best to you all. 

Hi, everything went well yesterday. I managed to finally get in for my blood test last Friday. 

Yesterday I had an abdominal and vaginal ultrasound scan. Then I went for my hysteroscopy. It really did feel like crampy period pains. There was a huge monitor for the consultant's use and she said it was fine if I wanted to look, or I could just close my eyes or zone out.

Anyway, I looked at the screen and I was fascinating to look at my own cervix and uterus. The ultrasound showed my uterus wall to be slightly thickened at 5.8mm, but there were no fibroids or polyps and the gynae couldn't find anything concerning. She did take a biopsy as she was there just to be doubly sure, but said that as the bleeding I had described was just like a period (tender swollen breasts, cramping, headache, bleeding for 4-5 days), it was likely that it was exactly that.

I did experience some pretty bad cramping pain for about half an hour after the procedure (but I think that was more likely from the biopsy). It made my drive home a bit challenging to begin with, as the pain radiated from my lower abdomen down the front of my thighs and made me feel a bit weak and wobbly. However, it soon passed. The bleeding from the procedure has stopped already and I'm completely pain free.

I've been told that this was probably my body's last attempt at having a period and that if I get another one, I should contact my GP and ask for a blood test to check my hormone levels. 

Thanks for all your support ladies. I appreciate it. 

I'll still be around to try to support others who are going through this. 

All the best to you all. 

Hi there, thats great news.  I had exactly the same thing, but the consultant decided on hrt to prevent endometrial build up.  What a nightmare that was for the first 4 or 5 weeks.  Still, I persevered and to date, bleeding has stopped but I still get the bloating.  My consultant said my lining was slightly thickened, had a biopsy to make doubly sure, then came the provera hrt tablets.  Maybe thats what will happen with you, who knows.  Lets hope alls well with you.  I had to wait a couple of weeks or the biopsy result.  Good luck x

Hi 

Thanks, glad it went ok and there doesnt seem to be anything alarming.

Im hoping to get someone to drive me when I go for my hysteroscopy next week. Did you need local anaesthetic or was it ok without? I do wish they'd done it on the same day as my ultrasounds to get it over with - it seems as if I've had this hanging over me for ages now! I keep trying to put it to the back of my mind, but then I can't help thinking, what if? Had no sign of further bleeding since the incident mid July so hoping it was a one off late period.

It really is so good to have this forum to share our worries and experiences.

Take care 

Janet x