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Menopause

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Original poster

Bleeding on continuous hrt?

18 replies

Seaoftroubles · 21/10/2013 14:36

Has anyone else here experienced post menopausal bleeding whilst on continuous hrt? I have been on continuous low dose hrt (Indivina) for 4 years, with no problems, until Jan this year when I had a couple of weeks of very light bleeding.Smear and swabs taken were fine but the doctor took me off my hrt and referred me for a trans vaginal scan which proved normal.To my relief I was told it was ok to continue with hrt - all bleeding had stopped by then too.Fast forward 5 months to July and the same thing occurred- 2/3 weeks of light bleeding. Again all tests ok ( and this time I didn't stop my hrt, just reduced it) I had another Tv scan which the gynae consultant was more than happy with.This time he also had a good look at the cervix and said that was fine too and that I could carry on with hrt.Well 2 months later and it's happened again..this time I have had a very light pinkish discharge for almost 4 weeks.I stopped my hrt a week ago and it has made no difference.I have an appt booked to see my doctor but just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience or any ideas?

OP posts:
Missbopeep · 21/10/2013 18:00

Not sure what to advise but are you well past meno? Continuous no bleed HRT is for women who are aged over 54 or at least one full year ( before age 54) with no periods. Otherwise the risk is of bleeding at odd times.

Original poster
Seaoftroubles · 21/10/2013 18:55

I am well past meno..am 60!..did have a very late meno though,didn't start to stop til I was 55..when I asked the gynae consultant at my last scan what he thought could be the cause he just implied that these things sometimes just happen..surely not though?

OP posts:
Missbopeep · 21/10/2013 21:14

Just had a quick look at the info on www.netdoctor.co.uk and it says it's for women who are at least 3 yrs post meno. When did you 'start to stop'?
If it's now 3 years since a final period then that's ok- if not it might explain the bleeding- but in any case it say bleeding can occur in more than 1% of women.
However, after so many bleeding episodes your consultant should be muttering about a biopsy and / or a hysteroscopy to make sure all is ok.

Original poster
Seaoftroubles · 21/10/2013 21:53

I started hot flushes etc at 55 (am now 60) and went onto sequential hrt for 18 months as I was still having periods.The doctor then changed my hrt to continuous and I stayed on this until I was 58 when I had a break for a few months to see how I would feel without it.No sign of any periods but all the old symptoms returned so I went back on it and have had no problems until this year. I imagine that a hysteroscopy will be the next step,although my GP(s) are convinced it is all down to the hrt and seem keen to get me off it.I would like to stay on it as long as possible though, as for me it has been excellent at combating all the nasty side effects of the menopause.

OP posts:
Missbopeep · 21/10/2013 22:02

In your situation I think I'd be asking for more investigations just to be sure.

It's not likely anything is amiss but scans alone don't show everything- did you have any more info from them such as the thickness of the lining when they scanned you?

Original poster
Seaoftroubles · 21/10/2013 22:58

Yes,both times the lining was 2.9 mm which they were very happy with.The first time I had been off my hrt for 4 weeks on my doctors instruction but the second time I reduced it to one tablet every other day as I was so fed up with the flushes..so it doesn't seem to be just the hrt..the consultant said ovaries looked normal for my age and both times an old inactive fibroid was identified..nothing sinister.Can't help but worry though..will be asking for another referral I guess..the thing is, by the time I saw the consultant on both occasions any bleeding had stopped!

OP posts:
Missbopeep · 22/10/2013 08:20

I don't think it matters that the bleeding has stopped when you see them. I've had lots of spotting and had a biopsy and a hysteroscopy .my consultant 'allowed' 2 episodes of slight spotting to pass - perhaps a late light period because my periods were very stop-start up to age 54, then did a couple of scans, then wanted to do a hysteroscopy but we compromised on a biopsy alone first.

Original poster
Seaoftroubles · 22/10/2013 08:37

Missbopeep,did you get to the root of the problem..and are you ok now?

OP posts:
Missbopeep · 22/10/2013 09:27

will send you a PM

Original poster
Seaoftroubles · 22/10/2013 13:09

Thanks, Missbopeep, have sent you a PM in reply.

OP posts:
Original poster
Seaoftroubles · 22/10/2013 15:54

So,have been to see my GP today and am being referred for a hysteroscopy and a biopsy..gulp..meanwhile have to stay off my hrt as the doctor seems to think this is the cause..as I have already taken myself off it a week ago the usual symptoms have already started and I am already feeling pretty grim..

OP posts:
Janeysailor12 · 03/04/2015 16:53

I've just read this thread as I am experiencing Post menopausal bleeding having seen no periods for 3 years and on continuous HRT for 9 months. The GP agrees this should be investigated...but I have been beside myself with worry and reading some of the comments here have certainly put my worried mind at rest a little more thanks x

Chrissie77 · 02/04/2018 14:25

Spotting and bleeding when forgetting HRT I have been on HRT for 5 years before if I forget to take a dose for couple of days I get hot flushes . This time I have mainly brown discharge for a week now was period pain at first slightly bloody but nearly gone. To see GP is 3/4 week wait should I bother or just accept not to forget to take it every day ?

Bellaciao · 02/04/2018 19:50

Bleeding or spotting when hormone levels fall (due to forgetting your HRT) is only to be expected - although it suggests that there was a bit of womb lining to be shed. I presume this is continuous combined ie no-bleed HRT? Personally I would not go to the doctor if the bleeding wasn't heavy - but do go if you are worried.

Chrissie77 · 02/04/2018 21:09

Thanks yes it is the combined continuous . I will wait another few days if completely gone will just mention at next check up in couple of months . Most people seem to get this when starting HRT but I did forget a few days doesn’t take much for hormones to drop ?

Tanya219 · 29/09/2018 11:41

I've started HRT 3 weeks ago, a week ago the bleeding started, a bit heavy at the beginning but moderate at the moment (bleeding for one week) , not sure what to do. Generally feel much better, all symptoms go , do I need to stop HRT if the bleeding continue?

dementedma · 07/10/2018 09:31

this is interesting. was on sequnetial but switched to continuous when I turned 54 in January. I have had some sort of discharge/bleedthrough almost every day with this kind of HRT to the extent that I have stopped taking it completely. Not really bleeding as such - TMI alert - but a dark brown, clotty discharge. it stopped within a day or two of stopping the HRT.
since stopping taking it, only other symptoms have been an increase of hair loss after washing it - and conversely a slow down of facial hair growth - and the feeling of irritability and bad temper has ocme back.

Jan1234 · 08/10/2018 20:07

Yes this as happening with me was on conti for 10 months I kept bleeding every 3 weeks so the doctor put me on sequal was on them for nearly a year and I asked my doctor if I could try the conti again as I was sick of painful periods, started the conti 19 days ago and I started bleeding again. today, going still carry on with the conti for 3 months see if it settles but got a feeling its not going to I don't won't to go back on the sequal I'm sick of painful periods

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