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 

What's FSH? I had blood tests at the GP on Monday and surgery called back yesterday to say I need a repeat one in 3 months as one test was slightly raised but the person calling didnt know what it was - i think it must be the one for diabetes as i know I need to lose weight - lockdown plus stress eating! No mention of linking blood tests to the bleeding concern. 

It's all very confusing. 

GP still has no results from my hospital tests early August either. The consultant on the day did tell me the computer system was down so I'm worried the results have got lost. 

Hi

I know, it is frustrating that doctors don't explain things fully and from reading these posts we are not all experiencing the same initial tests so that is confusing. There was no mention by my GP or the consultant about a blood test associated with this and the test i had done by the nurse on Monday was just looking at cholesterol, diabetes etc i think. 

The doctor at the hospital was lovely, but he spoke really fast and it was hard to take everything in. i'm booked to see a different one next week which is a shame because one of the nurses said how good he was and that she'd want him treating her. 

Keep in touch x 

FSH stands for follicle stimulating hormone, it's the hormone that makes the ovaries release an egg each cycle. High levels usually mean you're menopausal. 
 

I'll be honest, this second period has me freaked out. Has anyone here had more than one?

No further bleeding after one-off period (I hope), but I have cramping regularly, which was a symptom I had for the first year after I stopped bleeding. It's like a phantom period. I feel like I've wound the clock back three years. Lots of hot flushes at night, headaches. Very frustrating as I thought the worst of the menopause was over.

My consultant did say if I had another bleed they would do a hysteroscopy, which I assume would be to completely eliminate the possibility. The scan I had in July showed my lining was okay. I keep expecting to see blood, but so far, fingers crossed, nothing. It's hard not to worry, but he assured me these symptoms are usually not caused by cancer.

I've not been on any pill, HRT or coils fitted, since I have a clotting disorder, so I have to go with these symptoms and do the best I can.

Good luck

My blood test results are back - full blood and ESR are normal, but iron is at 7 when the normal range is 11 to 30, so that's confirms low iron. And that's with me taking over the counter iron and vitamins tablets. 
 

The FSH result came back as 6.5, which would be normal if I wasn't peri-menopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal. But I've had the symptoms of the menopause and a two year gap between periods, so that's one for the doctor when I speak to her on Monday. 
 

Raej, it is hard not to worry.  There really should be more research into this.  I know everyone will have a different experience of the menopause, but there must be enough similarities to be able to educate us on what we can possibly expect. I thought it was hot flashes, night sweats and no periods. But there's also hair loss, hair gain, weight loss, weight gain, heart palpitations, periods can come and go, and so on and so on. I had no idea it's possible for one last period until I had that one last month, two years after my last period. 

Hi all 

Has anyone noticed any weight loss since starting this post menopausal bleeding? In 16 days I've lost 6lb .I need to lose some weight and have been watching what I eat but I've tried that before and nothing happened .So worried that it's happening now . My hospital appointment is this Wednesday , I hope it will still be happening what with this covid rising again . The waiting is dreadful.

No, I've put some on which I've put down to the lockdown and not walking to work. 
 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for good news for you on Wednesday. 

Yes, aged 62 and no periods for nearly 3 years I freaked back in May when I wiped and found blood. To be honest I'd been having crazy premenstrual type symptoms for a week and even my husband had commented that he didn't know why my irritability levels were off the scale. I rang the GP immediately and at the hospital they did a trans-vaginal scan, biopsy and C25 blood test (negative result). A small cyst on one ovary was noted (right size to be a discarded egg follicle) and when biopsy came back as insufficient tissue sample I was asked to return for a hysteroscopy where all looked  healthy except for a small polyp which was removed and subsequent sample result was negative. I go back next month for another scan to check the cyst. Staff thought bleeding could be attributable to atrophy but acknowledged possibility that it had resulted from ovulation and if I had further bouts of bleeding before the next scan not to worry. Needless to say I've now had 4 similar very light and short "periods" since, at regular 34 day intervals. Would comment that for 2 years I was on medication for another condition which is not recommended if you are seeking to become pregnant as it can suppress fertility whilst you take it. The consultant maintains, however, that she's unaware of a medical link between that and whatever my body is now doing.

Hi all,  I agree, this menopause lark is a nightmare.  Im 8 weeks into hrt and what an 8 weeks its been.  All because my body decided to throw a wobbly back in July.  I had an ultra sound that revealed my lining was a tiny bit thick so was prescribed 10mg provera.  EEEEKK, 4 weeks continual heavy bleeding with all the cramps etc.  The bleeding has since subsided but there is still a bit of discharge which Im told is "normal".  Now its the bloating and discomfort of that, along with sometimes the need to dash to the loo.  IBS symptoms are also a thing so Im told!!!  Im coming back as a man!!!

Hi ladies

I had a covid test today after being called yesterday afternoon (Sunday) by the hospital to say I need to be screened before my hysteroscopy on Thursday. Good to know they're being careful. Hopefully all ok as I don't want any further delay. Also got some great news today that I've got a new job after being made redundant in February so need the all clear health wise too.  Don't like the sound of HRT with all the side effects. I've felt absolutely fine since the one heavy bleed in July. 

Hi ladies

I had a covid test today after being called yesterday afternoon (Sunday) by the hospital to say I need to be screened before my hysteroscopy on Thursday. Good to know they're being careful. Hopefully all ok as I don't want any further delay. Also got some great news today that I've got a new job after being made redundant in February so need the all clear health wise too.  Don't like the sound of HRT with all the side effects. I've felt absolutely fine since the one heavy bleed in July. 

Hello everyone, 

Well done on the new job Jan 64 that's great! Good luck for your appointment too . I had mine today and thankfully all's well. Had an ultrasound scan and then camera scan , blood tests clear ,  so I've been discharged. Dr said my bleed was more than likely a late after effect from the mirena /a surge in hormone ? She said that although we shouldn't have a bleed after menopause it does happen and that there isn't always a reason . Also if there's a repeat episode get checked out again . Best wishes everyone in your own journey with PMB x

Hi

Thanks. Glad to hear that your appointment went well today. Feeling a bit anxious about mine tomorrow but I'll be glad to get it over with. Heard nothing after my covid test so that must be clear. Trying to think positively and that it was just a one off, late bleed. I'll update everyone after my appointment. 

Take care ladies & thank you all for your support. 

Jx 

Good luck for tomorrow Jan64. Will be thinking of you.

I went for my appt on Friday. Had vaginal scan etc which showed slight thickening of the lining at 6mm. Hysteroscopy is required, and, because the last one (around 15 years ago) was difficult and quite a bit of scarring, am going to have this under general anaesthetic. Have a 'phone pre-op assessment on Monday and hope to have the date soon after. The consultant said it would be within three weeks from when I saw him last Friday.

Good luck to all. X

Morning, 

Fingers crossed for everyone as well.

im still waiting for the ultrasound appointment. I should get it today or tomorrow. 
 

I started the iron tablets today. Lovely side effects include black poo!

Hi ladies

So, I had my hysteroscopy appointment yesterday. I was obviously feeling very nervous about the procedure and the possible results. As advised, I took painkillers about an hour beforehand. First of all I was seen by a lovely nurse who checked my height and weight (as suspected I have shrunk by half an inch, which must explain why my BMI is high! but she was too polite to mention that - unlike my previous consultant when I went for my scans who said, "do you know the phrase 'I like to call a spade a spade'?" and then told me I need to lose weight as it is a risk factor. Then a doctor came and took me to the consulting room, asked me if I understood the procedure and started filling out paperwork with me, including the consent form for me to sign. During this another doctor came into the room, mumbled something and went and sat in the corner at the back of the room. Both of them were wearing masks so it wasn't always easy to hear what they said. I mentioned that I hadnt had anything back from my scans & test on 12th August, when the other consultant had said he didnt think the sample he'd taken would be enough to test. The doctor in the corner said they had got some results and that was why I needed this procedure for further investigation. I said that I had hoped it was low risk because of the long gap between appointments, but corner doctor said no, mine was an urgent appointment and that they were just very busy. Oops. So, once all the paperwork was done they said any questions and I said,  sorry but can I please ask who each of you are as I didnt get given their names. Corner doctor said, "well I'm the consultant, I did say when I came into the room", I apologised and said I hadnt heard (it didnt help that he had an accent, French I think and he was rather dishy, from what I could tell through his mask!). I never did find out who the other doctor was, but think he was a trainee as during the procedure the consultant had to tell him what to do at times - if anyone remembers the old Golden Shot tv show, the phrase Bernie the Bolt was very apt. I was taken into the room for the procedure and offered a gown, but as I had worn a dress i was able to just pull it up out of the way so felt a bit more dignified. Next I had to clamber up into a big chair (difficult with my shrunken stature) and put my feet on the 'pedals'. The chair was then raised and tilted back. There were paper sheets under my bottom and I was given one to cover myself. The procedure itself took about 14 minutes, and I must admit it was painful at times, with strong cramping sensations. I had read that if you count backwards in 7's from 1000 it helps you cope with pain so I tried to do that - but I started at 100 because my maths isnt that good. i think it did help, i believe the theory is that because your brain is being kept occupied it reduces the pain signals being registered, anyway I though it was worth a try. At one point the consultant asked me what my favourite tv show was (clearly another way of trying to distract me) and I grunted "I don't know", then a nurse said oh, do you not watch much tv and I told her I do but I just can't think right now. The nameless doctor took a couple of samples for biopsy and then it was finally over. The lovely consultant said that the lining of my womb was thin, and when I asked what it meant he said it was what was expected post menopause - he said to think of it as an incubator ready for a baby so it needed to have a soft padded lining, but once you're past menopause the lining isnt needed to cushion a baby and hormones lead to it thinning. He also said that there were no polyps or fibroids and that there was no indication of cancer (but obviously the samples need to be checked to be sure). Afterwards there was lots of water on the floor because they use it during the procedure so they put what looked like one of the puppy pads I have at home on the floor and told me to be very careful when i stood up. The consultant asked the nurse why she hadnt used the non-slippy socks today, I thought he meant for her, but he then handed me a lovely pair of red slipper socks to take home (lovely momento of my day). Got my shoes and underwear back on so felt less exposed and I thought that was it, but I was taken into a recovery room and offered a cup of tea and given some ginger biscuits. I did feel a bit shaky and actually had started to feel rather queasy during the procedure so it was welcome. I also took some more painkillers. The nurses were all really caring and attentive and I have to say that I was very impressed with how i was treated throughout the whole experience - the NHS are amazing and I'm very thankful. I had asked a friend to take me to the appointment as they advise you not to drive afterwards which I think is another useful tip. 

Sorry that this has turned into a very long post, but i hope it might help anyone else that has to have a hysteroscopy to know what to expect - I think it lessens the anxiety of the unknown. 

I had minimal bleeding afterwards and needed more painkillers in the evening, but today i feel absolutely fine. I got confirmation of my new job today as well so I'm excited about that and very happy to have this out of the way and hopefully the all clear. 

Best wishes to everyone on here x

Hi there, sounds like quite a performance but it does sound as though you will be ok. Im still plodding on with the HRT but am considering asking to change it at the end of the three months if the side effects do not improve.  I do feel I have been left out of every loop with no explanation about anything.  My consultant seem to treat me as a person on a production line with no chat about what was happening, why or what any form of medication would do.  My gps have been better but even they dont know a lot because they are gps and not consultants.  Good luck with the new job, its exciting isnt it.  Keep us informed of everything and we can all compare notes xxx

Hi 

Sorry that your experience hasn't been great. I did find I had to keep asking what was going on and I think it's bad that no results from the earlier tests and scans had been sent to my gp or me. I thought I'd describe my experience of the hysteroscopy to help prepare others as I hadn't really known how it would be carried out. The consultant told me afterwards that the procedure used to involve 10 days in hospital! 

I'll post an update once I get my results - Don't know how long they should take. 

I am looking forward to starting my new job now. 

Good luck to everyone experiencing similar worries about pmb.  

Take care x 

Hi everyone I haven't posted on here for several years.

I had post menopausal bleeding.I went to my Gp as I had hip pain and lower back pain and happened to say I had had a watery type bleed well I had had a few but a long time apart.I asked about my hip pain but she said first things first I will refer you to the hospital re the bleeding.My appointment was very quick and they attempted to examine me but it was difficult so they sent me for a examination under anesthesia.The consultant did see me before I was discharged and said they would write or send for me. I was back in a week and if I had had my glasses on would have realized that I was seeing an oncologist.They gave me the news it was sinister and I would need a hysterectomy.This was in October 2010 and I had a keyhole hysterectomy and my ovaries etc removed I had cin 2b I think.I was checked regularly for 3 years and am completely free of cancer.Please go to the doctors if you experience irregular periods and tell your friends.I can save your life.Good luck to you all and be reassured this is curable.best wishes Liz 

Hello Jan 64 , so glad you got through that ok though it sounds horrible ! Fingers crossed you get good results . Thanks also trixy56 for sharing your experience, it  shows that we can beat whatever is thrown at us .. we just have to be brave and face these things . X

Can't thank you enough for this post I'm going on the 22nd Feb and my head has been racing with worry but knowing what to expect has calmed me. I'm bad at my 7 times table so I'm definitely going to use that tip lol. 
hope this year is going well for you. 
 

thanks again 

Eve  x