Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Madge79 on October 21, 2025, 11:25:58 AM
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I am down the rabbit hole of terror! I was on sequential HRT for a while and bleeding was when it was expected (when stopping progesterone) but was getting migraines so switched to a mirena coil instead. When it went in the cramps and bleeding were a lot, went on for a long time! 4 months after it went in (April 2024) I had a TV scan and it showed regular lining of 6mm and a cyst on the ovary (classed as fluid filled - radiographer told me from ovulation which was a surprise) anyway this was all marked as normal and I went on my merry way.
The spotting very slowly died down but never stopped. Very light spotting not even enough for a panty liner.
I’m pretty sure I had very little, in fact probably no bleeding, between May and the end of September this year. Then at the end of September came a blob of weird jelly discharge a kind of orangey colour. Along with a sharp almost ovulation type pain. Then followed about 10 days later some of the light spotting again. This has stopped and started over the last few weeks. Went to the dr with a pain in my side and they diagnosed a UTI as trace blood and white cells in my wee. I’ve taken the antibiotics despite no stinging.
Anyway I’ve become obsessed and have urine tests at home and there is still trace blood showing. Went to the GP today who did a pelvic exam said cervix looks good but a little blood and discharge from higher up so has referred me for a scan.
Anyway I am now TERRIFIED as I’ve googled and I’m thinking the 6mm lining was too thick and what if I’ve had endometrial cancer for 18 months and the blood in the urine is because the cancer is now advanced.
I am hysterical! Can anyone relate or has anything similar with a mirena.
My symptoms cannot be trusted as a gauge anxiety makes me urinate, have upset guts, stomach pain etc.
Please any advice?
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this may be of course, vaginal atrophy! Did your GP mention this possibility.
As oestrogen levels drop the body may become dry: inside and out; scalp, deep in the ears, nostrils, skin, vagina, anus ....... and muscles may become lax = aches and pains.
Try not to panic! Because blood in the urine is common especially in dip stick testing. It may be VA has caused the vaginal walls 2 become very thin so there is a show of blood when wiping which clears it off.
Your GP is following protocols.
How do U feel overall other than terrified? Have U lost weight for example? R U. nauseous? Did the GP suggest how long it will B B4 you get a scan appt.?
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Dr said the bleeding she could see was from the uterus rather than the vagina. She said vagina looked ok and so did cervix.
I feel fine in myself only symptoms I’ve had (apart from crippling anxiety) are stabby pain up under my left rib and some abdominal discomfort but that’s higher up on the left at belly button level and that side. I’ve had urgent urintion and urinating a lot but I get that every time I’m anxious so cannot trust that.
No pain within the pelvis, no lumps etc.
I’m just so worried they ignored something 18 months ago that should’ve been looked into.
The hardest thing is there is no clear indicator that I’m peri or post meno as u have no idea!!!!
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If there was something sinister which the medics ignored 18 months ago, you would be quite symptomatic by now I would imagine. What is your next step?
Are you seeking help with your health anxiety? Many cancers are treatable these days; they are not an immediate death sentence.
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What help is available for health anxiety?
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fifty plus: Relaxation therapy
Exercise: walking, cycling, swimming, yoga
Medication
talking therapy
Bachs rescue remedy
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I’ve had awful health anxiety for many years but it’s back with avengance after I lost my best friend to cervical cancer which was missed by medics.
I’m going to try IEMT therapy for it next.
I just cannot think of anything else right now, it’s awful.
My GP said on HRT some people just bleed from hormonal shifts and on the mirena it’s thinning out lining so can be that. But all I can think of is my demise.
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They said within 6 weeks for the scan.
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What help is available for health anxiety?
Everything CLKD mentioned.
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Sometimes we have to advocate for ourselves when we may be vulnerable but are aware that 'something ain't right'. Sorry about your friend, sadly across the NHS there is a lack of staff in many Depts. so samples sit around longer than they ought to do. I can't understand why urine for example are handed into the surgery on a Friday :-\
Madge79 - R U able to take a cancellation/quick appt. if so mayB ring the Dept to let them know.
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Just breathe!
The uterus is literally designed to bleed in the presence of ovarian hormones (and their synthetic analogues)
This is a normal phenomenon.
You say yourself you don't even know your menopausal status.
6mm is not worrying at all.
The normative cut off value of 4mm was derived from a population of postmenopausal women NOT on HRT.
Some of them would be really old and had not seen hormones for years. Everything about them would have been shrivelled and atrophic.
You are making yourself ill over 2 millimetres. This is within the margin of error for measuring something on a scan.
Endometrial cancer typically shows up as 15-20mm or more.
The risk of endometrial cancer is exceedingly low in women on combined HRT, even more so if you have an IUS for the progestin.
The IUS is used as a preventative measure for women at high risk of endometrial cancer i.e. morbid obesity, anovulation, metabolic syndrome, and is now being used as a TREATMENT for early stage endometrial cancer.
Just get some vaginal estrogen, this cannot do any harm and will treat any GSM which is likely in the setting of NHS doses of estrogen and urinary symptoms.
I know this fear is likely stemming from the trauma of losing your friend following a missed diagnosis, however cervical screening technology is improving all the time and I am also assuming yours is up to date.
Most gynae cancers develop and progress over years and you will hopefully get reassurance after your scan in 6 weeks.
You could also see if they have a cancellation list for an earlier appointment - not because I think you remotely have cancer but because this is clearly taking a psychological toll on you that is way out of proportion to the actual chance of any pathology being present.
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Thank you everyone I had calmed down a little but today I’ve had painful left side again right up under my ribs. I remember at my last US 18 months ago they said I had a cyst on my left ovary so now I am terrified this was cancer all along and has now spread beyond repair.
I honestly can’t take all this worry! I have my scan on November 13th so 3 weeks. 3 weeks of spiralling!!!!! Not sure I can take it!!!!
My left side and mid abdomen around my belly button feels so full and under pressure 😢
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Stop poking! R U able to contact the Dept to offer yourself if there is a cancellation that U could go to?
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Yes I called them but I also have a private policy so trying to sort one via them as may be quicker.
Awake at 345 needing to pee again but unsure if that’s anxiety or a symptom it’s all very stressful. Anxiety also been added to as my son woke up the same time saying he had tummy ache so now waiting to see if he is unwell 😳
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I get out at 3.00 and again at 5.30 ......... usually getting back to sleep.
How is your son this morning? Was he hungry in the night? Is there something that he doesn't look forwards to doing today?
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I had the mirena fitted 8 months ago at the same time as hysteroscopy (so I know everything was ok then). I'm 52 and 8 years peri.
I've had light on/off bleeding and spotting since then as well as some cramping. As far as I'm aware this is all normal as mirena reduces bleeding, but doesn't stop it in all women.
You have done the right thing to get checked out, but in all likelihood, there is nothing sinister. But of course you are bound to be anxious. Try to breathe and distract yourself. Most of all be kind to yourself. Sending best wishes
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It was quite the opposite thee was an exciting thing at school today so he was over excited. He had a huge poo and then was fine! Think he was backed up 😂😂
Thank you Fusseh that’s reassuring, since I’ve had it I’ve never stopped bleeding really. The problem is it doesn’t follow a pattern but then in peri nothing does.
Fingers crossed it’s ok!
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Is he usually loathe to 'go' Madge79? What's his diet like overall, I remember veg that I woulnd't touch then would be OK with now ::)
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He doesn’t eat enough fibre so I’ve increased it for him.
Another worry to add to my list I have tested my urine after a course of antibiotics for a suspected UTI and now have protein in my pee as well as a tiny bit of blood. Bloody great!!! Must be kidney failure/cancer too!!!
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Yep. Will U choose a wicker coffin ? :foryou:
What U describe is normal for most ! Which is why GPs continue to prescribe antibiotic therapy on a dip-stick test.
The best thing after ABs is to get some LIVE Greek yoghurt - lots eaten every day. It will soothe the digestive tract from top to bottom. ABs strip bacteria from the system.
Some swallow kefir or similar but I can't face anything green :D.
Veg can apparently be swallowed in smoothies etc.. Or raw, my cocker would eat carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and bananas without any problems. I find that chewing is hard work ::)
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Hi Madge, we all on here know what it is to feel so worried and frustrated. I have recently been trying to sort things out had a couple of 9mm measurements. Had a hysteroscopy recently, still waiting for biopsy result. I always have microscopic blood in urine some ladies just do. I think if you get really desperate for an ultrasound scan there are a few places you can get one reasonably priced. Hope you get some relief and reassurance soon, it’s hard being a mum and coping with all this ballyhoo ain’t it! Xxxxx
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CLKD that made me laugh thanks! 😂 I have some drinking kefir in the fridge maybe I’ll make an effort to have a bit a day!! All day today I was fine really felt normal until I thought about it and then I needed to pee urgently again! 🙄
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Hi fuzzwhizer I really hope you hear back soon! It really is hard I been into menopause right after my son was born so a newborn and this nightmare was too much!! The pressure of having to be mum to a young special needs kid and this is a lot 🙄
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Oh my gosh everyone this has gone from bad to worse! Yesterday was still feeling like I needed to urgently pee or I couldn’t tell if I needed to pee if that makes sense? Then this morning woke up and soooooo sore appear to have thrush!!!! Peeing loads again too, this is the worst!!!! 😢
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..... and breath. Anxiety can make the kidneys work overtime = need2P. Which treatment R U using and how often?
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I’m also pretty sure the anxiety isn’t helping the peeing!
I don’t have any yet as not been to the shop but hoping to get some canestan tomorrow.
The joys of having a vagina hey! 😳
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Ah nuts just what you didn’t need! Hope it clears up for you soon.
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Well I’m fully down the rabbit hole as not only was ir thrush but the UTI (if that’s what is causing it) was still there so just finished a 3 day course of another antibiotic.
The positives here are haven’t really had any spotting the last couple of weeks.
Negatives are I’m exhausted, bloated, no appetite, left sided ache and fullness and lower back ache.
So now I am really focussed on ovarian cancer being the only thing that fits all of these criteria and I’m terrified. I honestly hate having health anxiety as when you actually get an “abnormal” result you get the feedback your brain is hunting and it feeds the problem.
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3 days often isn't enough to ease a UTI which has been diagnosed as a 'bug'. Which bug have U been diagnosed with because vaginal atrophy mimics repeated urine infection-type symptoms really really well and whilst ABs will ease feelings briefly, if it's VA then they will return.
OK - what's the worst that could happen if u do have ovarian cancer? Is your GP prepared to do the appropriate test?
What have u been given to treat the thrush: which was ??? diagnosed by a swab test ??? Also, if U are having ABs it is wise to get LIVE yoghurt to eat several times a day towards the end of the Course to replace bacteria in the gut.
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OK - what's the worst that could happen if u do have ovarian cancer? Is your GP prepared to do the appropriate test?
Well what a question, that's enough to send one's anxiety through the roof.
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They have sent the urine to be cultured as all we had was a dipstick. The dipstick showed white cells and blood and tiny trace of protein. No nitrates which she told me means it’s not always bacterial. I’m waiting on the results of that but just did 3 days of trimethoprim and I’m drinking loads to try and flush it all out.
My GP has been good and has referred me for pelvic ultrasound. My nan died of OC so it’s my go to worry, also because it’s so hard to spot. I had a scan 18 months ago which was fine - only a 3mm fluid cyst which they labelled as benign and no need for follow up. I mean the worst that could happen is I have advanced cancer and I’m going to die leaving my young child that’s my biggest fear at this point.
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You're getting well looked after, with your family history of course you are very anxious. Hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer for the scan.
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They normally get the pelvic ultrasounds done within two weeks when there are symptoms, so hopefully you won't be waiting for long. I had one earlier in the year for unexplained bleeding - turned out just to be cause by the hrt being not quite right.
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I have one on Nov 13th but I’m trying to get a cancellation in the meantime.
There’s part of me that just can’t even imagine how I’m going to go in there and get the scan without totally breaking down. I feel that they will be giving me terrible news.
I lost my best friend to cervical cancer 2 years ago, my son and mum had serious health scares the last couple of months. Luckily they have been given the all clear.
I was hoping once that news was good I would relax a bit but instead I’ve totally lost it and gone into a full neurosis. Probably my worst even spiral and I’ve had health anxiety for years.
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U need support today for your worries, mayB ring to speak to a Nurse Practitioner or send a triage request form in to the Surgery? A short course of 'valium'-like meds may well ease your anxiety a bit. As for dip sticks in the Surgery, what they saw on yours is common 4 many of us!
At least the sample was sent for culture .......... 13th is 2 weeks ??? hopefully you will get a cancellation appt sooner. Will the Dept contact you?
Health anxiety can take over until it becomes all consuming :'(.
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I agree, if your anxiety is so severe you could benefit from some extra help to calm things down. Its impossible to think rationally when in such a state of high anxiety.
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I’ve just come over all weary and exhausted I am hungry but can stomach food just want ti vomit as soon as the food goes in my mouth.
So interestingly I googled the side effects of the ABs in on and there is is increased anxiety, nausea, exhaustion seems very common. So I’m hoping this is down to this and nothing more sinister.
I may well ask the GP for some Valium I’ve had it before for flying.
Thank you everyone. I said to my husband that the logical bit of me knows worryin won’t change the outcome at all and that if it’s the worst news then I can’t change that. But the r irrational bit just takes over.
Last AB taken this morning so hoping they clear the infection and also that I get them out of my system soon!
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Madge79, hope you're feeling ok today.
Health anxiety can be horrendous can't it.
I totally understand your anxiety with your family history.
I know 2 weeks to wait seems like ages and ages away ....believe me I've been there and it is awful because it is all you think about, even if you try your best to occupy your mind.
Keep reaching out if you need to
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Well I got a call with a cancellation on Fridays so I had my scan. The sonogrpaher said everything looked fine to him but I’m not reassured fully until I see the notes on my app saying it’s all ok. He said the cyst on my left ovary had gone and my endometrium was now 3.9mm.
I also now seem to have a clear urine strip test no more white cells and no more blood. I’ve treated a nasty bout of thrush but still some discomfort remains. I also potentially passed what looked like 3 small kidney stones a couple of days ago. I’m now managing to eat again and the severe nausea has gone on the whole.
In true health anxiety style though I’m still down the pit of despair and misery as I still have the abdominal and side ache that first took me to the drs a couple of weeks ago. I have also lost 2kg since all nightmare began which I’m hoping is simply due to not eating much and the severe nausea that two round of antibiotics/thrush and severe anxiety left me with. I’ve also noticed I get that head rush thing when standing quickly.
The logical brain is telling me it’s anxiety as I’ve been hyperventilating at times and also my gut is messed up from 4 rounds of antibiotics ober the last few months. The anxious brain is saying it might not be gynae cancer but maybe it’s BOWEL CANCER!!! It’s how honestly a pig of an illness as even if you get reassurance that reassurance is always short lived and only good for that moment. It’s hard to trust a body that appears to be malfunctioning and falling apart around you.
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Honestly as an anxiety sufferer all my life I can reassure you that I bet all these symptoms are anxiety related.
I once "gave" myself lymphoma. So convinced was I that I had this cancer that I was convinced the doctors weren't taking me seriously. I had what I assumed to be swollen lymph nodes, I poked and prodded until I had burn marks on my skin. I was bereft with fear, shaking like a leaf. Obviously I didn't have cancer.
The mind really is that powerful and the fact you lost your friend has exacerbated that. If a sonoapher is confident enough to tell you they can't see anything worrying you will be fine.
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I did that with my lymph nodes years ago too, it’s all consuming isn’t it!!
It’s made all that more difficult that I have a 9 year old special needs child who literally takes up every waking second of my day and mental thought process. Today I’ve had him screaming in my face at close range, punching us and now smashing on the wall whilst having a meltdown. This is my life everyday and I honestly hate it.
I’m filled with this terror that I’ll get a disease that kills me and then my husband will be left with this nightmare alone and my kid will be psychologically damaged beyond repair. Instead I have to survive just to remain here and keep everyone functioning.
It’s a lot of pressure. I spend all my time feeling guilty and worrying.
Anyway enough of my sad sack rant I am well aware a lot of people have it worse but life really is bloody difficult!
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Just an update for you all - my scan was marked as normal, my endometrium down to 3.8mm and ovaries clear (previous cyst gone). However, he did highlight that it looks as if I have adenomyosis which could explain why I suffer from pelvic and tailbone pain.
The other thing that has been a nightmare is thrush! I’m having a living hell getting rid of what seems to be a hideous candida infection. Turns out u had thrush all along and this could’ve been what caused the discharge and odd bit of spitting. Then after 2 rounds of antibiotics this thrush has destroyed me!!!!
I am now on my second attempt of pessaries after the first 500mg one seemed to burn my entire vagina! Ive gone for 6 100mg ones which I’m tolerating much better. Ive also started taking symprove and about 4 days in I feel horrendous!!!! Fatigue, migraines, anxiety, no appetite, nausea. I’m really hoping this is candida die off. I know I really should be giving up sugar too but a sweet treat in the evening is the only joy I have left 😂😂😂