3 years post menopause having first period 5 months after starting FemSeven Conti Patches

[Bee2026]

Hi All, I'm 53, post menopause for 3 years now, and was put on FemSeven Conti patches(and Estradiol 1mg Cream) back in September. I have had sore breasts for the past few weeks, but didn't think much of it as I do have a large chest and often get sore boobs anyway. Anyhoo, yesterday I noticed some blood when I wiped, this morning, however its turned into a full blow Period, the doctor did mention I could get spotting when I start HRT, however, I'm freaking out as it's been 5 months of nothing and suddenly I've now got a proper period(as in it's heavy) is this normal? Should I make a GP appointment? sat here atm with a big wodge of tissue stuffed in my underwear as I don't even have any towels/tampons in the house (binned all that years ago as I didn't think I'd ever need them again). Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

If you haven’t had a period in 12 months or more then yes, as it is classed as post menopausal bleeding and the NHS recommended getting this checked out. Make an appointment with your GP. You may be referred to your local hospital under the urgent 2 week pathway but don’t panic if they do.

Any post-menopausal bleeding needs to be checked out by a doctor. I've had to do this a couple of times now. They don't always now go down the two week pathway but if they do, you might be sent for scans and further tests. You do need to call them today though.

Also meant to add that the majority of the time it'll be related to something innocuous or random hormones, so don't worry if they refer you on. All of mine (3 times) have been random bleeding presumably from HRT.

Okay, thank you, will ring GP as soon as they open at 8ish, will try not to overthink, but as I'm a natural worrier its easier said than done. appreciate the prompt replies

@Bee2026 I'd mention it to your GP but it's 99% nothing to worry about. They may send you for a scan . The sore boobs suggest it's your own hormones. It's not unheard of to have another period later.
Most bleeding when on HRT is nothing to worry about and the progesterone in the patch will have given you protection from endometrial hyperplasia/ cancer all the time you've been on HRT.

Thank you, they were pretty good, rang at 8am and within 30 mins a doctor rang me asking me to go in at 10am, she did some swabs and said because I've been on hrt for 6 months(it was longer than 5) I meet the criteria for an emergency scan. thanks again for all your replies