Period at 56 - anything to worry about or just FFS

[Freedomsjustanotherword]

My periods were completely regular until I was 52, then missed a few. Went on cyclical HRT so was still bleeding monthly plus having the odd period. Went on continuous HRT as so anxious and down last January following yet another period. Since then, have had only small amounts of bloody mucous, but started what most definitely feels and looks like a period yesterday.

I turned 56 in November. Is this likely a late menopause or something I should speak to the GP about does anyone know?

TIA

GP asap.

How long have you been without periods? If it's more than 12 months you need to be checked.

It would be worth checking in with GP probably. IIRC any bleeding after a year of no period should be investigated. Whther that counts as ‘no periods’ I’m not sure, but if you don’t ask you don’t know.

Yes I would say if no periods for a year definitely get checked. Not ‘asap’ though, it would just be making a normal appointment I expect.

Thanks both - I'll make an appointment.

Any bleeding post menopause should be checked out (at 56 and a year since last period you'd be considered post menopause). It's obviously concerning you so go get it checked, just to be on the safe side.

similar to me but I am older - I am seeing GP on Monday
you should too

Just to add yes, see your GP, and first step will be a scan of your uterus.

BUT being post menopause AND on HRT is not the same risk factor for endometrial cancer as being post menopause (and not on HRT.) Huge difference with HRT giving protection.

It'll most likely be an HRT blip where maybe your periods are not really over.
56 is on the older side but the range is 45-55.

Thanks, I messaged the GP and they called me back. Referring for scan as you said Jingle. My instinct is that it's a last fling of my ovaries as my periods were late to stop and it 'feels' like a period but thanks all, you're right about getting it checked out.

am going to ask for a scan too - and all as a result of this post- so thanks

Get it checked. My experience.... 68 and obviously no periods for a long time. Slight bleed last Saturday. GP Monday (not in UK), gynae consult today, and straight into Hysteroscopy probably next week. I refused to have it with just pain relief and insisted on twilight sedation. They will be checking for endometrial hyperplasia, polyps etc. and endo cancer, will check cervix also. I'm in shock it's all happened so fast! Hoping for the best, but you never know.

Hope it's good news for you, ascenda. Remembered this afternoon that my mum had cervical polyps in her 60s. Very common, apparently and benign.

Thanks so much for your kind wishes, hope all goes well for you too. There's nothing I can do now except hand myself over to the medics and hope for the best. I can't help that niggling worry at the back of my mind just the same! Am so glad I'm getting sedation, I've read some real horror stories of hysteroscopy without it. I'm still nervous about it though and hope they give me enough of the good stuff to knock me right out! 😊

These posts have been really helpful
Thank you all
(Yesterday I felt quite alone)

Just to update. I had an internal and internal scan this morning. They found a couple of polyps that they removed and will send to the lab. Likely benign, but just to check.

My uterine lining is thickened, 8.4mm I think, so I've got a hysteroscopy next week. Decided that I couldn't be bothered with the palava of a general, so will take painkillers ahead. The oestrogen aspect of my HRT was increased about a year ago and I wonder if that, combined with the fact that it appears that my ovaries are still producing the odd egg, has caused this.

Anyway, very relieved that I started this thread and got advice to see GP. Thanks

Thanks for your update. I had scans last week and check and it was all clear but just to have a boost of vaginal hrt for a couple of weeks.
Comically or maybe not so but as often happens, soon as I did ref to dr - no more blood!! Anyway important to get checked.
It is a relief to be able to discuss this here, so thanks and all the best.

Just to update... had a hysteroscopy today. Was not pleasant but the doctor and nurse were very kind. Passed out afterwards which is fairly common - there was a recovery room next door.

All looks fine including that my womb lining isn't thickened - hard to get accurate measurements just with a scan apparently. They did a biopsy that will get sent to the lab.