Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Limpy on August 20, 2022, 12:56:56 PM

Title: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 20, 2022, 12:56:56 PM
I am 64 and have been on Evorel Conti patches for 12 years. I have also been using Estriol 0.01% cream, though just applying a minimal amount with a finger and putting it inside myself - done with GPs agreement.  About 4 weeks ago I had been on a course of ABs to treat a UTI. Following that I did a two week full reload of Estriol cream  as there were some troubling VA symptoms.

Yesterday I had what I can only describe as a very mini period - after 12 years of no bleeding at all.  Tonight I am due another dose of the Estriol cream. My question is threefold really, do I:-
1 Use a full applicator
2 Insert a lesser amount with a finger
3 Use no Estriol at all.

I changed my  Evorel patch this morning. I will ring the GP on Monday/

Any advice really would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Flossieteacake on August 20, 2022, 01:10:42 PM
Hello Limpy. I am sorry to hear this. I personally would carry on using the cream however you feel comfortable too as I would not want the VA to flare up. I would not think the bleeding is connected to the Estriol.

I can understand your concerns. I hope you can get an appointment on Monday.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 20, 2022, 01:18:52 PM
Thank you Flossie.
Hopefully I can get an audience with a GP on Monday 🤞
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Flossieteacake on August 20, 2022, 01:22:40 PM
Thank you Flossie.
Hopefully I can get an audience with a GP on Monday 🤞

I hope so too. I will be thinking of you.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Pennyfarthing on August 21, 2022, 03:43:14 PM
limpy - have you checked the info leaflet on your cream?  I haven’t started gel yet but it does say on there to expect a bleed. can’t be doing with all that again!
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: joziel on August 21, 2022, 03:54:04 PM
Estriol cream will not cause a bleed. Please ignore the info leaflet with all HRT. It is all totally outdated and ridiculous. The leaflets given out with local estrogen are the same as given out for systemic estrogen - when the two are very different.

Throw the leaflet out. And no, local estrogen should not cause a bleed.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 21, 2022, 04:44:51 PM
limpy - have you checked the info leaflet on your cream?  I haven’t started gel yet but it does say on there to expect a bleed. can’t be doing with all that again!
Thanks PF.
I did eventually find the leaflet but it was mostly to check that I'd been putting the stuff in correctly!
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 21, 2022, 04:46:39 PM
Estriol cream will not cause a bleed. Please ignore the info leaflet with all HRT. It is all totally outdated and ridiculous. The leaflets given out with local estrogen are the same as given out for systemic estrogen - when the two are very different.

Throw the leaflet out. And no, local estrogen should not cause a bleed.
Thanks for that Joziel.
I will ring the surgery in the morning. I just hope to goodness I can speak to a GP who knows which way is up.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Cazikins on August 21, 2022, 05:09:14 PM
Hi Limpy, yes you should definitely see your GP, but try to emphasise to the receptionist that it is post menopausal bleeding & you are extremly worried. I'm not saying it will make much difference but it may help.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 21, 2022, 05:24:47 PM
Hi Limpy, yes you should definitely see your GP, but try to emphasise to the receptionist that it is post menopausal bleeding & you are extremly worried. I'm not saying it will make much difference but it may help.
Thanks Cazikins. You're right I would probably witter on about it being unexpected and totally forget to mention that I am definitely post menopausal.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: CLKD on August 21, 2022, 07:07:10 PM
Is there a Nurse Practitioner if the GP isn't available?  The one at our Surgery will consult the GP is there is anything untoward. 
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 21, 2022, 07:42:45 PM
The thing is getting an appointment with anybody at our surgery is like getting an audience with the Pope - except people do get to see the Pope. I'll ring in the morning and when they ask "is it an emergency" I'll say I need to see/speak to somebody today and tell them why.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: joziel on August 21, 2022, 07:45:39 PM
I know that feeling. And the calling as soon as the surgery opens, and the line is busy so you just keep hitting redial.... and if you're lucky you finally get through. It all adds so much extra stress to booking a doctor's appointment, the whole process makes me very anxious.

One surgery I used to be with had online booking, 24/7 - you could see who was available, compare dates and make an appointment any time of the day or night. I loved it. But my current practice doesn't have that. They do have an excellent reception team though, they have a roomful of people just answering phones - not the same people on the front desk checking people in.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 21, 2022, 07:52:04 PM
I will be on the phone at 8am sharp - the redial button on our phone is showing distinct signs of wear!
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 22, 2022, 08:31:14 AM
Got an appointment this morning - phew.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: CLKD on August 22, 2022, 08:34:20 AM
Tnx for the update - let us know how you get on?

Years ago I could book on line, then the Practice altered their provider which meant I could register with my password on my laptop  >:(
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Cazikins on August 22, 2022, 11:43:27 AM
Excellent Limpy - let us know how you get on xx
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 24, 2022, 10:56:38 AM
Just got back from GP. She was smashing she's referred me to a one stop gynae clinic where everything can be done on the same day. Appointment should be in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Flossieteacake on August 24, 2022, 10:58:55 AM
Just got back from GP. She was smashing she's referred me to a one stop gynae clinic where everything can be done on the same day. Appointment should be in a couple of weeks.

I am so pleased to hear it went well. It is wonderful to hear of a GP who is helpful.  :)
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Cazikins on August 24, 2022, 10:59:54 AM
Briiliant news Limpy

 
:clapping: :banana:

I bet you're well pleased x
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 24, 2022, 12:12:11 PM
Thanks lots ladies!
Yes Caz I am well pleased  :cancan:

She was very good about not stopping HRT just yet. I have a bunch load of *&%$ going on in my life just now and it would be so much better not to add stopping HRT until the clinic has done a scan.
We agreed that if thickened endometrium is shown then I will need to stop but till then leave as is and see what the clinic say.

We did have an interesting chat about HRT. I'd asked what the general view at the practice was
"We are all women (apart from one trainee) we are all for it" was her reply.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Flossieteacake on August 24, 2022, 12:21:54 PM
Thanks lots ladies!
Yes Caz I am well pleased  :cancan:

She was very good about not stopping HRT just yet. I have a bunch load of *&%$ going on in my life just now and it would be so much better not to add stopping HRT until the clinic has done a scan.
We agreed that if thickened endometrium is shown then I will need to stop but till then leave as is and see what the clinic say.

We did have an interesting chat about HRT. I'd asked what the general view at the practice was
"We are all women (apart from one trainee) we are all for it" was her reply.

Iove her response! :)
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: joziel on August 24, 2022, 06:12:33 PM
You don't need to stop if you have a thickened endometrium Limpy, you would just figure out the progesterone or perhaps have a Mirena coil put in.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on August 24, 2022, 06:33:44 PM
Thanks lots  Joziel.
It's good to know that before I go to see them   :)
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on September 02, 2022, 08:39:01 PM
The clinic appointment has arrived it's on the 15th September. Not long to wait.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Flossieteacake on September 03, 2022, 09:13:52 AM
The clinic appointment has arrived it's on the 15th September. Not long to wait.
I am glad you have the date for your appointment. Its good it is not too far away.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on September 15, 2022, 12:11:06 PM
Just got back from scan.
Lining is 1mm and ovaries are clear. Gynae says - I can stay on HRT.
All is seeming pretty good just now.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Flossieteacake on September 15, 2022, 12:12:54 PM
Just got back from scan.
Lining is 1mm and ovaries are clear. Gynae says - I can stay on HRT.
All is seeming pretty good just now.

This is a wonderful update. I am very happy for you. :)
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Jenna on September 15, 2022, 12:24:06 PM
Great news, Limpy.  :veil:

Were you given any explanation for the bleeding?
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Bindi on September 15, 2022, 01:03:31 PM
Limpy i can honestly say when i started using my ovestin cream i was already haveing a very slight bleed..im putting this down now to my VA at the time hun..im just over 2 mths in with the cream but i can say those bleeds i was getting around  my old cycle time as im just off 5yrs post meno are alot better..so im putting my improvement down to the cream..but i do want a gyno..appt to make sure. The ovestin has honestly helped me alot.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on September 15, 2022, 01:38:20 PM
Thanks ever so much ladies.

Jenna - the gynae thinks the bleeding could be down to some ABs I've needed to take recently. One lot for a UTI others for an infected eye cyst.
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Jenna on September 15, 2022, 02:20:32 PM
I see, Limpy. It’s always reassuring to know why these things happen, isn’t it!
Title: Re: Unexpected Bleeding Advice Please
Post by: Limpy on September 15, 2022, 03:28:26 PM
Very much so Jenna it really does help!