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[Tashton]

I am 50 years old.  Always had heavy periods but short ones for 3/4 days.  Over last 6 months my periods have been hit and miss. Occasionally skip one.  Since 12th October I have been spotting or bleeding really really light and it's been quite persistent. Had maybe 3 days when nothing but most of time odd bits of bleeding and period pain.    Is this usual for my time of year.  Seems like no end to it.  Really dragging on

[CLKD]

Morning.     my periods waxed and waned for several years B4 disappearing  . Several would be regular, then I would miss months B4 the odd bleed would return.  I knew it was The Change. 

How do U feel overall? 

[Tashton]

I feel ok    just odd bleeding when I wipe or on my underwear.  Not a lot just odd spots. And back period like discomfort.   It's just that it's dragging on and on .    Went to Dr and she said could be related to menopause but not sure so hospital will send for scan ?

[CLKD]

Did your GP suggest how long you will have to wait for the scan?

[Tashton]

No.  Nothing

[CLKD]

I would ring the surgery to find out and if the wait seems long, then perhaps you could take a cancellation appt at the Dept.?

[Tashton]

She didn't say if urgent or not.    Do we think it may be??

[CLKD]

'we'?

U may have been referred for a scan on the 2 week pathway.  Do contact the Surgery to find out.  Make a list of your worries to ask.

[Tashton]

So to update....  Had vaginal scan yesterday. She said my lining was too thick for what they like and she believes I have endometrial polyps. She thinks the consultant will want to do a hysteroscope but in her opinion and myn my pain tolerance is so low I wouldn't cope with it so she unsure what they will do.   Obviously I'm freaking more than ever.  Can I demand a general anesthesia.   I need the procedure if it may be cancer?   But she had to stop the scan twice yesterday as I was screaming In agony

[CeCe]

Hi Tashton,

You can definitely have a hysteroscopy under a general anaesthetic. It was offered to me when I was at the appointment for my hysteroscopy, although I opted for a local anaesthetic instead. Lots of ladies opt for a general anaesthetic. It will be ok and is a really short procedure so you will be in and out in no time. The lady before me in the waiting room also didn’t opt for a GA and promptly fainted. The gynae team are used to it so don’t worry about having it done with a GA, you will probably be in the majority.

CeCe

[Tashton]

Thanks.   Not overly concerned about the polyps but don't like the sound of the lining being too thick.   Anyone know what causes this?

[flossie fiddler]

Hi there, hope you’re OK. Having similar issues to you. The point at which womb lining thickness triggers further investigation keeps changing. It used to be 8mm, I believe. 7 years ago, it was 5mm, and mine was 5.1mm, triggering scans, followed by a hysteroscopy and polypectomy.

This time my lining was 4.1. Great, I thought until the sonographer told me the limit was now 4mm. I’m having surgery tomorrow, under GA. I had GA last time too. If you require GA, ask for it. I’m having Mirena coil fitted at the same time tomorrow, so hopefully when I come out of anaesthetic all will be done, and I can get on with recovery.

I think it’s the oestrogen in the HRT that causes me to have polyps.

[CeCe]

Thickening of the womb lining is caused by oestrogen and lack of progesterone. Hormones fluctuate wildly during peri menopause so you probably have very little progesterone at the moment hence your womb lining not shedding. Having a Mirena fitted during your hysteroscopy would help (although you have to think about its removal further down the line). Are you on HRT?

[Tashton]

Not on anything.  Last week I had 2 days of heavy period like bleeding then it stopped for 2 days and today it's started again.  I feel like I'm going mad

[CeCe]

I’m not on HRT either. I tried it but felt worse and bled more so I gave up about 8 months ago. My periods are just like yours and I had a hysteroscopy a few months ago plus a biopsy. All good and I decided to put up with the random periods and incessant spotting and accept it’s ‘the change’. I can’t tell you how excited I am at the prospect of my periods stopping for good, but until then……My womb lining was thick and they found fibroids but the gynae said it would sort itself out when my natural oestrogen levels drop.

Anyway, you’re not going mad and you’re not alone. I think very few ladies have a textbook menopause. It’s awful isn’t it?