Is this normal or should I go to gp

[sincitylover]

I had a period last June - one at beginning of December (this one started the day after I was given acupuncture for something else). Since New Year's Day I have been spotting and streaking blood - enough to wear a light pad.

Thought it might develop into a full period but it hasn't!

Shouid I go to gp not sure what this is?

What age are you?
I'm 45 I've been to Dr. A bit like you. I had a period last July, then early December. July was 12 weeks later than expected.
I had a blood test and my fsh levels are high.
I've to go back to talk about things if I don't have another soonish.

I suspect I only had a period as I had flown to travel immediately prior to both, but this might be just urban myth that it brings it on.

I'm 48 & my periods have been getting lighter for the last couple of years lasting 2-3 days..I came on just after Xmas & it only really lasted a day.Is this normal it's never happened before. I'm going to wait & see if I get a period this month before I visit my GP

It's pretty normal if you are anywhere from 45-55.
This is what happens- irregular cycles and bleeding that can be lighter or heavier.

It's not a reason to see the dr unless you have other symptoms that are making life difficult and you want to discuss treatment such as HRT or a coil for heavy bleeding.

Thanks for replies yes this is my age range.

I have made an appt. as have now has this for 12 days - surely they should rule out infection, erosion or uterine cancer?

why do you think there is anything wrong?
Uterine cancer is only an issue if you have not had any type of period / bleeding for 12 months or more then you have some blood loss.

You are presumably peri menopausal. Your symptoms are spot on for that! eg a period in June, a 6 month gap, then a period December, then another light one on 1st Jan.

Nearly ALL my final periods were just spotting- for several months- with gaps of 1-2 or 4 months in between.

Just trying to reassure you that this is all normal.

p.s- you should see a dr for any bleeding outside of a normal cycle- eg mid-cycle or post menopause. It doesn't sound as if you are having that because this spotting is 1 month after your last period. The fact it has gone on for 12 days is nothing to worry about - it's all down to hormonal imbalance.

thanks all - just to update -went to my gp today who asked me to come back next week for examination (she didn't have time to do it there and then), swabs and smear (my smear is up to date though) plus sending me for blood tests and also mentioned a scan to check the lining of my womb.

Sounds as if she is being super-thorough which makes a change!
Seriously, I don't think you have anything to worry about.
You are peri, you've had a 6-month gap then a period, then another period roughly 4 weeks later. Even though it's light and gone on for 12 days that is not unusual or abnormal at your age. You might (just!) have a fibroid or a polyp which can cause bleeding at odd times, or prolonged bleeding, but the times to get worried about bleeding outside of a normal cycle are mid-cycle or nowhere near period dates, after sex, after 12 months or more without any period at all ( if you are under 50) or if you are not up to date with smears.

Went to gp today who took swabs, examination - couldn't take smear as my fibroid was pressing on cervix. Arranged an urgent apt with gynae.

Slightly concerned but appreciate the thoroughness of GP

That's quite odd- fibroids are internal in the uterus as you know so how that prevents anyone taking a smear sounds a bit doubtful. How does a fibroid stop a dr taking a smear?

There were similar problems when I had the smear before last (at a different gp) practice nurse tried, gp tried - was then referred to a clinc which was visited by consultant gynae who managed. As far as I can recall they also blamed the position of the fibroid.

Last smear was done by practice nurse.

Are you a medic pink frocks ? (as you sound well informed)

I'm not a medic but I am well informed and have had loads of smears in my life, plus I have a fibroid and have regular appts with a consultant gynae. The thing is, a fibroid is not visible. You'd only know there was a fibroid by a scan or an internal examination when it might be felt. A fibroid is the muscular wall of the uterus. So how can a fibroid in the womb affect the cervix?
here's a little pic!

The yellow bits in the pic are different types of fibroids.

you can't really have a fibroid covering your cervix.

Ha- I saw that one too! I suppose what I'd deduce is that if the OP has one of those it would have been impossible to take a smear at any time ( and she said a nurse did the last one) and it would be easily visible to anyone who looked up there!

I had a smear recently and the dr did have a good look before they dived in to take the sample, so any dr ought to be able to see it.

Come back OP and solve the mystery of this errant fibroid! You talked about 'my fibroid' as if it were a trophy or something you knew you had- did you?

God no not a trophy! Have had fibroids for ages at least 12 years. Initially i dithered about whether to have them removed or a hysterectomy but decided against for various reasons.

Perhaps I will dig out the paperwork which states the exact position and size. I do know it's 22cm - I think that's grapefruit size.

Just found gynae report from 2011- "the fibroid affecting the position of the cervix. .......the cervix was difficult to see...." The fibroid is left posterior

I think what that means is....not that your fibroid is covering your cervix, but that it's pulling /tilting the position of your uterus so that the cervix is possibly pushed towards the vagina at an angle instead of being 'straight up' IYSWIM!

No not really!

Anyway still bleeding and waiting for my appt. and results

Went to hospital today and have been referred for a colcoscopy and hysterscopy.

The scan seemed ok