Anyone else had recurrent Bleeding after Menopause?

[HPFA]

Three months ago I had spotting (18 months after last period). I went through the investigations - had a hysteroscopy - and was given the all-clear.

Six weeks after that and I seem to be having a period (even down to the sore boobs!) - I've booked a phone appointment with the GP but my understanding from Dr Google is that they won't do any further investigations until at least six months afterwards.

And I'm just sitting here crying about it all. I don't think it's just the fear that it might be cancer after all. There's just a part of me that is really upset about periods now being this enemy. Something that used to be just a normal part of life - sometimes a nuisance, sometimes very welcome (!!) - but from now on any sign of blood is going to trigger more of the horrific stress I underwent three months ago.

Anyone else had a recurrence like this? How did you cope with it?

@SunshineCake

I'm not sure if I'm having the same experience as you. No periods for nine months. A slight loss of blood after intimate activity then a week of bleeding with period like pain starting the next day. I'm not sure if I should be ringing the GP or not. Will feel stupid if it's just a period and can't face any kind of internal exam.

I think the thing is if it's not normal for you then it's worth flagging up with the GP. If you don't normally get any bleeding after intimate activity then it's worth getting checked out?

Thank you @noideawhatusernametochoose. I think it's the fact I then baked for a week after with stomach pain that made me wonder what has gone on. Right now I can't face the GP as I'm feeling really unwell and haven't been able to get up. I'll take a test in about five weeks just to make sure I didn't conceive, highly unlikely I know, and see if a period comes. Seems all so random. Maybe I would have had a period then, if it is what it is, but after nine months without it seems weird.

@SunshineCake

Thank you *@noideawhatusernametochoose*. I think it's the fact I then baked for a week after with stomach pain that made me wonder what has gone on. Right now I can't face the GP as I'm feeling really unwell and haven't been able to get up. I'll take a test in about five weeks just to make sure I didn't conceive, highly unlikely I know, and see if a period comes. Seems all so random. Maybe I would have had a period then, if it is what it is, but after nine months without it seems weird.

Honestly, if you're worried and if you've got stuff going on that's not normal for you then please see your GP x

Those that have had scans - did you also get blood tests as a matter of course? I've checked my patient records and can see that the scan found thickened lining and also a cyst on one ovary. From the scan a blood test and referral to gynae was recommended - have had test and am waiting for referral.

Blood test requested was for CA125 and I can't lie, I'm somewhat worried.

I did have that blood test and a scan about five years ago. I had to have the scan redone as the hospital preferred to do their own. The doctor casually said I might have endometrial cancer or something else I can't remember. He was so blasé I rang dh to tell him and told him as if I was telling him I had bought dinner. It was only later I realised what I had done. I didn't have cancer but the jury is out on polyps and fibroids as first doctor said I had one and had it removed and other doctor said I never had one. I am fairly sure I have a fibroid. I hope it all is okay @noideawhatusernametochoose.

@noideawhatusernametochoose

Those that have had scans - did you also get blood tests as a matter of course? I've checked my patient records and can see that the scan found thickened lining and also a cyst on one ovary. From the scan a blood test and referral to gynae was recommended - have had test and am waiting for referral.

Blood test requested was for CA125 and I can't lie, I'm somewhat worried.

I didn't have the blood test. The scan showed the lining was 5mm which I believe is borderline for referring on but they weren't able to take a complete measurement because of the position of the womb.

It's a pain because if I keep getting recurrences eventually they'll do the tests again. And as my womb can't be scanned properly I guess that will mean keep redoing the hysto.

Thanks @SunshineCake @HPFA

@SunshineCake that's pretty awful to drop that on you like that! I'm glad it turned out to not be cancer, though I guess it's frustrating not to know what it actually is for sure.

@HPFA that's a pain that the scan couldn't be done properly. Hope you don't have to have the test done again.

Reporting back in case this helps anyone going through same.

Have now had biopsy and may or may not have to have hysteroscopy, they will let me know. Biopsy results take a fortnight or so.

I'm to have scans at 3 month intervals for ovarian cyst and they may suggest removing said ovary.

Gynaecologist removed the Mirena to do the biopsy. She said that if biopsy is clear and bleeding reoccurs it might help to have another Mirena put in, even though I'm sure I'm past menopause.

And was your CA125 result low?

@vjg13

And was your CA125 result low?

Yes, thank goodness.

What a huge relief for you.

@vjg13

What a huge relief for you.

Yes, it definitely was. Still got the biopsy to get results for, but hopefully that will be OK and it's reassuring if they will be regularly scanning the dodgy ovary.

@noideawhatusernametochoose

Great news on the test.

Interesting that from the same symptoms people seem to have different pathways. I had a hysteroscopy but no biopsy.

Thought I’d come back to update, last month after I had a bleed I didn’t manage to negotiate the Canadian system and get a doctors appointment mainly because I was waiting for our new medical cards to turn up.
Roll on this week and on Thursday night I woke up with what felt like period pains on one side, the pain carried on all day and by the middle of the day I started bleeding.
Luckily my medical card arrived in the post as by the evening I was losing lots of blood and the pain was so bad it felt like early labour all up my back down my legs low down in my pelvis, so we went to A&E.
Well I can say the system is very different than the NHS and I’m so glad I had my medical card, or it could have been a very expensive trip, but that’s a whole other story.
I waited all night (10 hours) before I got to see a doctor, the hospital only has 1 A&E doctor on at night and ambulances came in all night so nobody who wasn’t a stab victim or heart attack was seen, it was pretty brutal and an eye opener as it’s normal practise, had we known I wouldn’t of gone in overnight or stayed but at no point do they tell you you probably won’t be seen and this was the biggest main hospital in Montreal.
However, once I did see a doctor I can say the care was excellent and such lovely people, I think the whole country just suffers with not enough doctors across the board.
Anyway, I had a scan and also the internal scan, they took ages doing it and then also called a doctor to look and scan.
They then said they were concerned that my lining was enlarged and I’d need a biopsy, and it sounded like they might do it next but when the doctor scanning me realised that I take HRT she seemed relieved and much less concerned.
I have now been referred for a biopsy, I should hear from them in a few days. All I know is my lining is 5mm.
I had bloods taken but I didn’t think to ask about the CA125 result, I’ll ask next time.
They have given me some pills to stop the bleeding which is still really heavy and pain relief.
It was a bit of a long night/day I was at the hospital for 18 hours, but came home had a bath and some nice food. I slept like a log last night, just hope the bleeding slows down and I keep on top of the pain and I get an appointment soon 🤞🏻

[quote HPFA]@noideawhatusernametochoose

Great news on the test.

Interesting that from the same symptoms people seem to have different pathways. I had a hysteroscopy but no biopsy.[/quote]
I was told I may need a hysteroscopy if they couldn't get enough material through the route they took - they couldn't do that on the day as they didn't have the hysteroscopy equipment in the clinic so it would have to be done at a different appointment.

@Itscoldouthere

Thought I’d come back to update, last month after I had a bleed I didn’t manage to negotiate the Canadian system and get a doctors appointment mainly because I was waiting for our new medical cards to turn up. Roll on this week and on Thursday night I woke up with what felt like period pains on one side, the pain carried on all day and by the middle of the day I started bleeding. Luckily my medical card arrived in the post as by the evening I was losing lots of blood and the pain was so bad it felt like early labour all up my back down my legs low down in my pelvis, so we went to A&E. Well I can say the system is very different than the NHS and I’m so glad I had my medical card, or it could have been a very expensive trip, but that’s a whole other story. I waited all night (10 hours) before I got to see a doctor, the hospital only has 1 A&E doctor on at night and ambulances came in all night so nobody who wasn’t a stab victim or heart attack was seen, it was pretty brutal and an eye opener as it’s normal practise, had we known I wouldn’t of gone in overnight or stayed but at no point do they tell you you probably won’t be seen and this was the biggest main hospital in Montreal. However, once I did see a doctor I can say the care was excellent and such lovely people, I think the whole country just suffers with not enough doctors across the board. Anyway, I had a scan and also the internal scan, they took ages doing it and then also called a doctor to look and scan. They then said they were concerned that my lining was enlarged and I’d need a biopsy, and it sounded like they might do it next but when the doctor scanning me realised that I take HRT she seemed relieved and much less concerned. I have now been referred for a biopsy, I should hear from them in a few days. All I know is my lining is 5mm. I had bloods taken but I didn’t think to ask about the CA125 result, I’ll ask next time. They have given me some pills to stop the bleeding which is still really heavy and pain relief. It was a bit of a long night/day I was at the hospital for 18 hours, but came home had a bath and some nice food. I slept like a log last night, just hope the bleeding slows down and I keep on top of the pain and I get an appointment soon 🤞🏻

That sounds really painful. I hope the bleeding and pain settle down really quickly, and that you can get some answers soon.

Thanks @noideawhatusernametochoose yes it was bloody painful and a bit of a shock having a really heavy period after 2.5 years without any, having a virginal scan was rather unpleasant and messy.

Now I just have to wait to see when they call with a date for the biopsy, it’s very weird dealing with a completely different/unknown health system, not helped by much of the information being in French as I’m in Montreal.

Obviously I’m hoping it’s nothing major, but I obviously shouldn’t be bleeding like this (I’m 58) so something isn’t right.

Just have to hope the next bit goes quickly, I’ve read that the biopsy results can take a couple of weeks?

Are you still waiting for another appointment?

@Itscoldouthere

Thanks *@noideawhatusernametochoose* yes it was bloody painful and a bit of a shock having a really heavy period after 2.5 years without any, having a virginal scan was rather unpleasant and messy.

Now I just have to wait to see when they call with a date for the biopsy, it’s very weird dealing with a completely different/unknown health system, not helped by much of the information being in French as I’m in Montreal.

Obviously I’m hoping it’s nothing major, but I obviously shouldn’t be bleeding like this (I’m 58) so something isn’t right.

Just have to hope the next bit goes quickly, I’ve read that the biopsy results can take a couple of weeks?

Are you still waiting for another appointment?

That all sounds really distressing. I hope you get some answers soon.

I have been told biopsy takes 2-3 weeks. I have already been given a date for my next scan on ovary - I guess what happens next appointment-wise depends on the biopsy outcome.

Hope you hear something v soon and that your bleeding was a one-off.

An update here I didn't want to make.

Eight months after and I've had bleeding AGAIN.

Filled out an E-consult with my GP but I understand standard practice is to go through the investigations again so hysteroscopy here we come - assuming my weirdly shaped womb won't submit to a proper scan again.

And I'm due to go on holiday on Sunday......

I'm torn between laughing and crying - the timing......

But truly, since the day this all started there hasn't been a day when I haven't thought about it because every time I go to the loo I have a little niggle of fear that I'll be bleeding. So my holiday would not have been totally carefree anyway.