Bleeding after menopause

[Galaxyfarfaraway]

Hi. Can anyone help please?
I am nearly 50 and haven't had a period for over 18 months. Woke up with pelvic pain this morning and took painkillers. Felt uncomfortable all day and found slight spotting when I went to the loo about lunchtime. Only a little and then nothing else. Thought I was being over cautious and that it might be constipation instead!!!!!
Started bleeding about 4pm and it's been quite heavy - way heavier than any of my periods ever were. I have had to send DH and DD to go and buy the thickest pads they can find.
Made the mistake of looking up on Google and am a bit worried now. But I am a drama queen so lovely ladies when should I be worried. It has only been 2 hours but I am having to change thick pads every 20 minutes or so. Should I just leave it for 48 hours and get appt on Monday or shall I phone 111 now. Thanks in advance.

Phone 111 straightaway! It's what the service is for. Unexplained heavy bleeding should always be checked out - could be nothing, but better safe.

There was a lady on here a couple of years ago who was bleeding out - everyone told her to ring 111 and it saved her life. (Think it ended up in Classics?)

Hopefully it's nothing worry about.

Thank you very much. Will call them.

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Hope you are ok. Yes, agree with pp, get it checked asap.

Still on phone to 111. Can't get through to anyone.
Bleeding is getting worse so hope I can speak to someone soon.
Thanks for replying

Any joy? Do you have someone with you?

OP, if you’re bleeding heavily, forget phoning and just get yourself straight to A and E. You could wait hours for a reply and they’ll almost certainly tell you to go to A and E anyway.

A&E now.

Good luck.

I think 111 is a good idea but no need to panic as it's not unusual to have a late last period when you think they've stopped, and they are often heavier than usual as there's been a long build up. So please don't worry too much at this stage.

I am menopausal. I wouid be heading for A&E if after 18 months of no periods there was bleeding as heavy as you described.

(A period-like bleed I wouid ring for advice, or make appointment next working day in expectation of getting a gynae referral, possibly within 2 weeks. There are some serious causes of this symptom which need to be ruled in or out asap)

I'm here now. Waiting for gynaecology Dr as the bleeding is still quite bad. Thanks very much for replies.

It's very kind of you lovely ladies to reply. I appreciate it.

Hope you will not have to wait too long OP

@villageshop, whilst there are other non dangerous causes for post menopausal bleeding, it's an instant qualification for a referral under the Urgent Suspected Cancer two week maximum wait protocol. It's not a reason to panic, no, but even the slightest bleeding is treated as urgently needing specialist assessment, never mind heavy bleeding that won't stop - to suggest that it's something minor could mean somebody already anxious about it ignores what is effectively a red flag symptom. (used to get calls from ladies who, although their GP had referred them for one bleed, would actually admit on the phone that they'd been having them for months or even longer - they got quickly shuffled into the very next clinic; one of the reasons why I sometimes got shouted at, as I'd end up having to cancel and rebook some other patients who were waiting to be seen for things like Bartholin Cysts, just to fit the ladies in)

@galaxyfaraway I sincerely hope that it's one of those not serious things, but, whatever happens, you are in the right place, did absolutely the right thing in going to A&E and I wish you the best.

@MitziK which is the reason I said it was a good idea to ring 111, while also trying to give a bit of reassurance to @Galaxyfarfaraway not to worry too much at this stage, ie until she has received professional medical advice.

Thank you all so much for your advice. I have been checked over and have been given referral for scans and drugs to stop the bleeding. And will get overnight stay to make sure they work. Plus a pregnancy test😀😀
Thank you for confirming I should have gone to a and e.

Sounds like you are in good hands. Hopefully you get it all sorted out and get home soon.

Glad to hear you're being looked after, galaxy. Sorry it sounds like you had a long evening though. Hope all is well?

Still in hospital as bleeding not stopped. Hope to go home later

. The Dr mentioned the cervix was discoloured. No sign of infection in bloods. Anyone know what this could be? I asked and they kept saying let's just wait for scans. Should I be worried?

Could be many things, @galaxyfaraway. That's why they are saying wait for the scans.

Hope you get more information soon. x

Thanks MitziK. I am trying not to worry and you are right I will have to wait for scans.
I guess my house is going to be very clean and tidy while I keep busy in the meantime. Marie Kondo here I come😀😀

You are all so very kind to reply and reassure me. Don't want to say anything to DH or kids so it's nice to put it on here.
I truly appreciate all your kind and knowledgeable advice. Xx

I think you should tell your DH. It is hurtful to keep this from him

How's it going ? Are you home now and found out the cause ?

I am on the 2ww pathway,since October...