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

  • I haven't been told yet I expect to hear that next week.

  • Hi,

    Firstly I would like to say you are all very inspiring, your stories have been comforting and reassuring.

    I too have had a slight bleed after almost 3 years the bleed was pinkish and watery and only seen when I wiped, never enough to stain underwear and lasted 5 days

    My periods were always fine, very regular and never really had period pains

    I have been having slight draggy feelings and they have continued after the bleeding has stopped. I feel an ache in my sit bones too and I can feel my uterus close to the opening of my vagina (prolapse?l) 

    I am booked to see my gp Monday but just wondered has anyone else with a slight prolapse had post menopausal bleeding and anyone else got achy sit bones?

    Thanks in advance

    And good luck to everyone awaiting results xx

     

  • Hi again, 

    I had my appointment with the consultant today.  He confirmed I have some fibroids but that they're only small (3cm) and contained within the uterus.  He said that the ultrasound scan also shows a slight thickening of the endometrium and he wanted to do a hysteroscopy and take biopsy.  Had the procedure straight away (not nice!!).  Consultant said he was happy with what he could see with the camera and doesn't think there's anything to be concerned about.  Obviously won't be totally relaxed myself until biopsy results back.  So, another few days wait for that.  Have to say, can't fault the treatment (and speed) I've had from the hospital, literally 2 weeks to the day since I phoned my GP.
    How you getting on Flo25 - have you had ultrasound or anything yet?  Let us know how you get on at your appointment on Wednesday.  Will be thinking of you. Xx

  • Hi Murf,

    That's all sounding like you're moving in the right direction. Got my fingers crossed that results from biopsy are good.  Hope you get them soon.

    I've been having a bit of discomfort on my left hand side roughly where I think my ovary is. Not major and no further bleeding. Just need it to be wednesday. 

    You said the hysteroscopy was not nice? In what respect? Did you bleed afterwards?

    It's strange how speaking to a stranger is so reassuring and comforting. Take care and keep in touch xx

  • Hi there, I've had two hystericopies and it's quite painful.  They take a biopsy and it hurts.  They also say take pain relief before you go but it's never worked for me.  I did bleed a little bit afterwards but nothing major.  I have one more to go in July so not looking forward to that but if it's ok, I get the all clear.  Hope this helps.  Good luck x

  • Hi, 

    yes, I'm relieved that consultant thinks my insides look ok - he said the walls of uterus looked nice and pink and smooth, whereas if cancer was suspected, the texture would have a 'cauliflower' like appearance.   The hysteroscopy procedure isn't pleasant, but I didn't find it too painful.  Suppose everyone is different of course, and maybe depends on the skill/care of your consultant!  I took some paracetamol about an hour beforehand - not sure if that's helped or not??  The worst bit was the administering of the local anesthetic, which made me flinch.  Then once the camera is inserted through the cervix into your uterus it is very uncomfortable, like a strong period pain low down in the abdomen.  This bit lasted about 10 mins or so, then once the camera was removed the pain went.  I am having some light bleeding which might last 7-10 days the consultant said.  And in the last half hour I'm now getting a bit of a nagging period pain feeling again .   I'd say the whole thing wasn't nice, but it wasn't as painful as I was thinking it would be though, and I'm a right wuss!!! 
    If you have an ultrasound on Wednesday, they should be able to tell you straight away if there's anything abnormal with your ovaries.  The nurse told me my ovaries were fine as she was doing the scan.  Hope all goes ok - will be thinking of you. 
    PS.  My husband was able to come in with me for the procedure, which def helped me stay calm and relaxed.  Though his new nickname for me (having seen it on the screen himself!!) is now 'Mrs smooth womb' xx

  • Thanks Murf. I'd rather know what to expect, just in case I'll be in touch xx

  • Hi Murf,

    Had my appointment this afternoon. Nurse kept me talking while doctor performed ultrasound. I was more interested in seeing what was going on. Then doctor said that she was going to proceed with a biopsy. No explanation or anything. So I asked why? She said  that the womb lining would normally be around 4mm in thinkness, but mine was 6mm. And that was it. No further explanation or comment. No info about cysts, fibroids or smooth womb

    The biopsy (no anaesthetic btw) was very painful and so glad hubby was in carpark as I could not have driven home. Now in bed with hot water bottle.

    Doc said I should get a letter in 2 weeks. And that was it.

  • Hi, 

    thanks for posting message Flo.  You sound like having similar symptoms after the procedure - I too took to my bed with a hot water bottle.  Didn't feel great following day, and took day off work to rest up, but been bit better today.  Some blood spotting still, but nothing major.  It's awful you didn't get any feedback from consultant about your ultrasound, but hopefully that means there was no signs of fibroids/polyps/cysts etc, or she would have told you??   The hysteroscopy procedure isn't nice at all is it !! and from reading other women's experiences, it seems that delivery of this procedure varies greatly from 'excruciating and barbaric' at worst... to 'painful but bearable' at best.  Seems to be somewhat of a lottery as to how the procedure is delivered with varying practices regarding use of anaesthesia etc.  
    We both have exactly same diagnosis so far then.  The thickness of my endometrium is between 6-7mm as well, and like you now awaiting results of biopsy.  Consultant did tell me it was possible that I've had a 'rogue period' even though it's 2 years since my last one?? and that it could potentially happen again in next coming months.  If so, I've not to worry apparently!, but if I go another 12 months with no further bleeding, and then experience another bleed, then I should ask to be referred again.  Out of interest... how long it is since your last period, and what age/weight are you?  I'm 53 next month and am around 2 stone overweight.  Also, do you mind me asking if you've had the Covid vaccine?  I've had my first jab (Astra Zeneca) on the 26th March then experienced the bleeding about 6 weeks after.  I'm not being alarmist, but the jab is the only thing different that I've had - no different diet, or medications, no stress factors etc. There is some evidence in the news recently regarding menopausal women reporting incidents of abnormal post menopausal bleeding, so it does make you question whether the vaccine could have caused it ??!!  
    Anyway... sorry for the long post.  I hope you feel ok tomorrow and if need be take a day or two to rest.  Hopefully we'll get our results back soon and will be in the clear.  
    Thinking of you... Murf xx

  • I have had a post menopausal bleed approx. 8wks after my astrazeneca covid jab, I am hoping you are right and this is the cause

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