Does this bleeding between periods warrant any further investigation?

[pablothepenguin]

I have had bleeding between periods and very irregular cycle for the last year. I have had a scan, nothing unusual found. Smear test up to date.

A change of GPs since first investigation means I'd probably have to follow this up myself it needed more investigation. I have seen my new GP a lot re different issues. I'd rather not go again if not necessary.

I'm 40. I assume it's just age/hormones?

[2ndSopranosRule]

I have this. I've mentioned it several times but everyone said "One of those things". I saw a different GP the other week who said it did require further investigation and has referred me to gynae (the main reason was actually a prolapse but she wants mid cycle spotting investigated too).

It might just be "one of those things" but I've been having periods for 25 years and this only started three years ago. Recent smear was normal. I'm trying not to worry unduly!

[2ndSopranosRule]

Oh I'm nearly 37 and age has been mentioned to me, too.

[AuntieStella]

I don't think you should ignore a symptom you would otherwise have had investigated on the grounds of age.

Yes, it might all prove to be nothing, but it could be something. Perhaps something common, benign and treatable, like mild cervical ectropion or polyps. Or something more serious but also more treatable if caught early.

[Squigglypig]

I'm getting this too, and I'm 39. It's rubbish and was particularly bad last month. I might make an appointment but suspect the GP will just shrug and say it's an age thing.

[pablothepenguin]

AuntieStella I guess I'm wondering if a scan is as much as they would do? In which case no point in another appt.

[PollyPerky]

If you have already had a scan, then you should be reassured that all is ok. A scan would have found polyps, fibroids and anything more serious.
The route drs take is scan, then if anything looks suspicious they would do a hysteroscopy and biopsy , or just a biopsy.
From what you say, you've had a scan recently so the 'diagnosis' must be hormones?

The only thing I'd say is watch out from other signs of peri menopause because if you have them, along with irregular periods, that is a sign of an early or premature menopause and you would need treatment with HRT , to prevent long term health problems.
Premature is classed as 40 or under, early as under 45.
More info here Daisy Network

[AuntieStella]

If they have scan you and find nothing that requires further investigation or treatment, then you will know it's just one of those things and can stop thinking about it.

But they may see something on the scan that can be treated.

(If you would reject all treatment for all possible underlying conditions, then no there is no point in seeking a diagnosis).

[AuntieStella]

Sorry if I've got the timelines wrong. I'd assumed the scan was last year, along with the smear and that you meant about 12 months ago.

If you meant more recent, my posts probably aren't relevant, and should be ignored.

[StrictlyMumDancing]

Did you have an external or internal scan? I've had troublesome periods all my life and had a few external scans that showed nothing. I had an external scan that showed nothing at the start of Jan, but an internal has just found out my problems so I'm off for a biopsy now. Maybe it's worth asking if they'll do an internal scan if you haven't already?

[pablothepenguin]

I had external and internal scans but thanks Strictly. Hope everything goes well for you.

The scans were recent, sorry for confusion.

I think I would have had a follow up GP appt but for various reasons didn't happen. I've had quite a bit of bleeding this month which made me think of it. I was assured at the scan there was nothing abnormal so if that is sufficient then I'm happy to forget it.