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[Catlover67]

I posted a few weeks ago to say I have still not gone through the menopause at 58 which seems to be viewed by many as concerning, although my research shows that while it is later than average, it is not THAT unusual. I also have a long history of fibroids which has caused a lot of erratic bleeding & spotting over the years and resulted in 3 lots of surgery, last one 3 years ago.

Since my last surgery, periods have been lighter but still erratic/spotting which has resulted in 3 ultrasounds in 2 years, the last one just two weeks ago. They have always been normal, apart from multiple small fibroids. The recent ultrasound was under a 2ww "to rule out anything sinister" and again I was told all normal, apart from fibroids. I was also told I must be very close to reaching menopause as my FSH is very high which makes sense as I've started getting longer gaps between periods this past year, as well as a few episodes of spotting which I believe is normal for peri.

Nevertheless, the GP said she would email gynae for advice as my case is very unusual! I have just received a call to go to an urgent  2ww hospital appointment tomorrow! Person on phone couldn't tell me much just that it was a 30 minute consultant for abnormal bleeding.

My anxiety is through the roof! Could they actually suspect something sinister after all or are they just being OTT?? What on earth will they do that hasn't been done already as I thought only an abnormal ultrasound triggered further investigation.

Anyone had similar due to being over the textbook 55?

[Northerngirl]

I'm obviously not an expert catlover67 but if you've had all these investigations within the last 2 years and the most recent being only 2 weeks ago with everything all clear I don't  think you should be alarmed at this point. I know it's easy for me to say but honestly I've been through similar with ultrasounds, hysteroscopies, pmb etc and my anxiety went through the roof and the lovely ladies on here kept me sane. I'm in no way underestimating your worries but please don't let things run away from you.
Luckily your appointment is tomorrow, hopefully they just want to try and get to the bottom of things for you finally.
Think of some questions you may want answers on and have them ready for tomorrow....it might give you something to focus on.
Please try and stay calm and let us know how it goes.

[sheila99]

Here we go again. Yes, me and many others,  you are far from alone. Anyone who believes the fairy story that everyone is meno by 54 goes into panic mode whenever you mention a period if you happen to have a late menopause. Their ignorance shouldn't come back on you. They will probably want to do a hysteroscopy and take a sample. You might want to read the threads on painful procedures without pain relief. 'Abnormal' ultrasound includes a lining over 4mm which would be perfectly normal for a menstruating woman (except that you can't possibly be menstruating, you're over 54).

[Catlover67]

Here we go again. Yes, me and many others,  you are far from alone. Anyone who believes the fairy story that everyone is meno by 54 goes into panic mode whenever you mention a period if you happen to have a late menopause. Their ignorance shouldn't come back on you. They will probably want to do a hysteroscopy and take a sample. You might want to read the threads on painful procedures without pain relief. 'Abnormal' ultrasound includes a lining over 4mm which would be perfectly normal for a menstruating woman (except that you can't possibly be menstruating, you're over 54).

The thing is my ultrasound isn't even abnormal, the only thing found is the same fibroids that have been giving me abnormal bleeding for the last 12 years. I've had 3 hysterocopies with my fibroid surgeries and had biopsies every time, all normal. Hoping the whole thing will be a massive waste of everyone's time. Work not too happy (nor am I as very busy) We're very short staffed but can't say no to a 2ww

[Catlover67]

To add, I would be happy if it's just to see if they can help further with my ongoing fibroids but  if that's the case surely it wouldn't be a 2ww??

[Fuzzwhizzer]

I hope it’s all good and brief for you Catlover  (love them myself!) I was referred on August 19th for a ‘2 week wait’ to see gynaecology too. Here we are 8 weeks later and no appointment. When I phoned them a couple of weeks ago they said it could be anything up to 58 weeks! I’m 56 and been having recurrence of periods after 8 months. Doc sent me for ultrasound and lining 9mm so automatically referred me. Because of some symptoms that may or may not be related. I got fed up waiting so booked and saw a private gynae last week. Booked in for 10th for biopsy with anaesthetic etc tried in office with no warnings or pills but I’ve got a wonky womb so I gave it a go and so did she, but no dice. Before all this meno crap I had no idea all this was even a thing. What a joyous wake up call it has been. I hope you get to a satisfactory conclusion for you xx Plus a hi! to the cats!

[bombsh3ll]

The question should be if you have ongoing menstruation and benign ultrasound findings, what do YOU want to do about it?

There are multiple options if you don't want to continue bleeding, including oral progestins or the mirena IUS unless your fibroids are particularly large.

All investigations are optional and it is up to you whether to consent or not.

It is also worth considering that vaginal atrophy can be a cause of spotting that is frequently overlooked yet easily treated - VA is highly likely in an untreated 58 year old with a sky high FSH.

[Catlover67]

I hope it’s all good and brief for you Catlover  (love them myself!) I was referred on August 19th for a ‘2 week wait’ to see gynaecology too. Here we are 8 weeks later and no appointment. When I phoned them a couple of weeks ago they said it could be anything up to 58 weeks! I’m 56 and been having recurrence of periods after 8 months. Doc sent me for ultrasound and lining 9mm so automatically referred me. Because of some symptoms that may or may not be related. I got fed up waiting so booked and saw a private gynae last week. Booked in for 10th for biopsy with anaesthetic etc tried in office with no warnings or pills but I’ve got a wonky womb so I gave it a go and so did she, but no dice. Before all this meno crap I had no idea all this was even a thing. What a joyous wake up call it has been. I hope you get to a satisfactory conclusion for you xx Plus a hi! to the cats!

Thank you, I sometimes wish I'd been spayed like my female cat! I really don't understand the panic, the longest gap I've ever had between bleeding is 10 weeks, but in your case bleeding after 8 months is still considered normal as not past the magic 12 months. I'm really cross I've been put through all this stress. Someone at work says they bet they'll tell me I'll need an ultrasound as all they will have read is "58" and "bleeding" and will send me on my way when I tell them I had a normal one 2 weeks ago. I really hope so!

[Catlover67]

The question should be if you have ongoing menstruation and benign ultrasound findings, what do YOU want to do about it?

There are multiple options if you don't want to continue bleeding, including oral progestins or the mirena IUS unless your fibroids are particularly large.

All investigations are optional and it is up to you whether to consent or not.

It is also worth considering that vaginal atrophy can be a cause of spotting that is frequently overlooked yet easily treated - VA is highly likely in an untreated 58 year old with a sky high FSH.

Yes, that's a good point, it would be good to have an opportunity to discuss this as the spotting, although light and stopped more than 2 weeks ago, can be annoying.  However, I don't think it's worthy of a 2ww appointment. I DO have VA that does bleed occasionally but I'm sure this bleeding is from the uterus as is sometimes accompanied by mild cramping. I also have a mild ectropion diagnosed last year.

I will be upset if they suggest biopsy as I don't think there's any need. I had biopsies during my 3 fibroid surgeries but under GA, I really don't want to go through that awake as I've heard it's painful. These bleeding patterns are nothing new to me, I've had 12 years of erratic bleeding & spotting due to my fibroids but suddenly it's an issue because of my age!

[bombsh3ll]

If it were me I would just say no thank you to the hysteroscopy given the recent normal ultrasound and previous extensive investigation, and request a trial of progestogen treatment.

It is the definition of madness to keep doing the same and expecting a different outcome.

[Catlover67]

Thanks everyone for your support. I really cannot understand the urgency given my very recent normal scan and history. I guess I just need to go along today and hear what they have to say. Will update x

[Catlover67]

To update - had the appointment, took all of 5 minutes! Doctor said he didn't think anything to worry about as scan was normal, likely a combo of peri & fibroids. However, to be on the safe side they'll do a hysterocopy & biopsy which has been booked in for a couple of weeks. Told I don't need sedation, just take painkillers an hour before. Gulp!

[sheila99]

I'm sure he wouldn't have the same attitude if someone suggested poking around in his testicles without anaesthetic. Most women are coerced into this by the threat of removal of hrt. As you're not on it you're free to refuse if you think it isn't necessary. I think this is more about back covering, in the very unlikely event that you do have cancer they can't be held liable.

[Northerngirl]

That's good news. Hopefully you'll get some sleep tonight. Good luck with the procedure in 2 weeks...I'm sure   it's just a "for your peace of mind " thing

[Catlover67]

Thanks,  I recognise it's an arse covering exercise which I've noticed a lot more of since I passed 50 (not just me, my husband had lots of scary investigations earlier this year for something which I doubt they wouldn't have freaked out about had he been younger). However  I might as well go through with it for total peace of mind and hopefully they will then leave me alone. (He did say we could discuss HRT once the investigations were complete). Not looking forward to it though....