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[Jules57]

Hi all
New here but this seems such a great forum.
I’m 57 and hit menopause when diagnosed with Graves Disease 12 years ago. I’ve been on lots of different things over  last ten years; sequential and then continuous HRT. Tablets and patches and eventually for the last two years oestrogen pump and ustrogen 200mg every day.
I’ve been stable, no bleeding for last two years but suddenly had some fresh blood spotting on Sunday,
I was freaked out. I had intercourse the day before and no bleeding then. No cramping or pain.
Off to drs I go and see one who admittedly knew nothing as was googling whilst talking to me….initially referred me under 2 ww then phoned me back to say the hospital had said that was incorrect and I should stop HRT and wait 6 weeks…
I was really upset - firstly by the idea of 2 ww as three years ago I went through that process with a painful unexpected biopsy and then ultrasound. All was fine and I went on to current HRT but it took three months not 2 weeks and scared me witless.
I’ve read around and thought that the first line of investigation now was a scan within 6 weeks…
I’ve no major or minor risk factors for endometrial cancer.
But anyway.
I’ll wait. And watch. No bleeding since that one off.
My question is, can the fact I switched from 1 pump to 2 of oestrogel have caused a bleed? I upped it in August time as thought might help with my anxiety and low mood?
Also now cold turkey HRT… what can I expect?
Lots of bleeding?
I’m so fed up.
And worried. Googling womb cancer was something I thought I’d never do again….

[lotsofcats]

ah, sounds so familiar! Any change in your progesterone? I had spotting and was sent for a scan within 2 weeks then because of thickened lining had to come off HRT for 6 LONG LONG weeks! It wasn't fun and I felt awful for the whole time. It looks like I don't tolerate the generic progesterone because it all started 2 days after starting on Gepretix instead of Utrogestan. At the dr appointment after the break we decided it was too much of a coincidence that the problems started after the progesterone change and I'm back on the original progesterone and no problems since. I have to say although I'm feeling better than the time off it I'm still not yet back to how I was before the progesterone change.
The Dr told me it used to be that you'd be told to come off HRT for 6 weeks then review but it changed earlier this year to urgent scan first then depending on the results of that the next steps would be discussed.
Good luck!

[Jules57]

Thanks so much - no I’ve been taking 200mg of ustrogen for last two years. I upped the oestrogen though. I’ve had instances of bleeding in the past - I came off sequential because of it then was on Kliofem for a couple of years before I had a bleed on that and all the investigations. Perhaps my body is just changing as the menopause goes on! I need to chill out a bit. After so long on HRT I know the risk of womb cancer is low intellectually. The GP was just so awful though! No empathy at all and it was a woman too!
I’m just spotting a bit, 4 days after stopping it Tuesday, so maybe it’ll settle down and within the 6 weeks I can see how I feel off it. If not it’ll be a scan.  The ustrogen made me very tired and low mood but I put up with it because I was sleeping better. My boobs have thankfully shrank and no longer painful so small wins! I appreciate you getting back to me. X

[bombsh3ll]

You probably just have a tear from intercourse in the setting of vaginal atrophy.

Your GP is incorrect, current guidelines do not support forcing women to come off HRT pending investigation - withdrawal of HRT can be OFFERED as an ALTERNATIVE to investigation, with no further action if the bleeding stops.

Those who wish to continue treatment should be investigated appropriately - this does not mean "urgent suspected cancer" unless there are clinical red flags.

It is your decision, but either way some vaginal estrogen would be a good idea, especially if you choose to remain without systemic treatment.

[Jules57]

Thanks so much for responding. The Dr was dreadful. Couldn’t have been more thoughtless if she’d tried.
I’ve been trying to be logical the last couple days. The spotting is not progressing to a full bleed and so I’m going to see how I go this week. If it progresses I’ll contact GP and ask for a referral for a scan. I’ll go through BUPA if there’s any argument.
I’d like to see how I feel off HRT… maybe I can manage without it. Perhaps a break will help me decide. I thought atrophy meant you were all dried up inside?! It still feels ‘normal’ up there but I’m no expert obviously. Although I do feel that I know my way round the menopause guidelines after three solid days of googling!
My husband has threatened to hide my phone if I don’t stop bless him.
Health anxiety is awful. Logical thinking is entirely absent
Thank you again x