Period. Again 😞

[Sulkysam73]

Long thread sorry. I’m 53 and i hadn’t had a period for what i thought was 18 months. Stop keeping track which was stupid of me i know. Went to the GP got referred to gyno. Had a transvaginal scan. External scan and all came back clear. They only thing they found was i have mild atrophy and prescribed me hormone gel and said and not to worry if i have spotting as it takes 3 months to work. I didn’t use it as i’m high risk of breast cancer, and reading the tablet leaflet scared me. Well all that was in August. Today i have another bleed. A proper period with stomach cramps and sore breasts. Like a used to. Now what? The gyno said if it happens again to tell the GP. But maybe its just as simple as im not finished with periods yet! They have done tests not found anything, what else are they going to do?

You should see your GP and together you can decide what next.
It's unlikely to be serious but the question is how long ago was your last period? Any bleeding even spotting can count as a period unless it's more than a year's gap.

They only thing they found was i have mild atrophy and prescribed me hormone gel and said and not to worry if i have spotting as it takes 3 months to work. I didn’t use it as i’m high risk of breast cancer, and reading the tablet leaflet scared me.

What were you given? HRT or vaginal estrogen? (cream or a tiny tablet to insert.) You mentioned gel .

The leaflet in both of those does not apply to vaginal estrogen- it's the same leaflet that is in all HRT (and is going to be changed as it's not accurate.)

Thank you for your response @JinglingSpringbells its really appreciated. I was prescribed Estradiol gel.
I mean, would mild atrophy give me periods? Surely it would be just spotting. I’m so fed up with it all. Its giving me so much anxiety and it could be just my normal periods being irregular which is entirely normal. Periods have have been April, June and today. It’s exhausting 😞

Gel sounds like systemic HRT. Does it say to apply it to your arms/legs or vulva/vagina?

If you have atrophy you really ought to be using at least the topical stuff. Otherwise you're at increased risk of UTIs, incontinence and prolapse, as well as general pain and itching. Atrophy doesn't cause periods.

Why were you given Estrogel for vaginal atrophy? The large white and turquoise pump bottle?

Have you used it?

It's not clear if you have or not.

Gel is systemic HRT.

Were you also prescribed progesterone (Utrogestan)?
Have you been taking those as instructed?

The treatment for vaginal atrophy is cream- it's small 15gm tube of white cream and the tube is white with pale mauve writing on it. You insert it in your vagina 2 x a week.

I think she may mean that the dr told her using vaginal estrogen may cause some spotting.

BUT gel is not for vaginal use and it's only used with progesterone.

Sorry for confusion, it was Estriol gel i was given to insert in vagina. The gyno said it can cause spotting.

Are you in the UK?

What is the packaging like on the gel?
There is a gel called Blissel.
Is that it?

Yes i live in the uk. On my prescription on the NHS app it says Estriol. I can’t remember the colour of tube i threw it away.

@Sulkysam73 Vaginal atrophy needs treatment for ever. If you stop it comes back. You should have the gel on repeat and be using it as directed, long term. It's not a case of using one tube and stopping.

If it's Blissel gel, that is one of the weakest and there are others that are slightly stronger if you need that- cream, or tiny pessaries.

I can't see how long ago you had your scan. They don't do them for at least 6 months if the previous one was normal.

And if you aren't sure if you're post menopausal, you may just be having a normal period again.

Did you mean you can't use HRT because of a higher risk of breast cancer?
The cancer risk doesn't apply to vaginal treatment.

Were you offered HRT?

Thank you @JinglingSpringbells my scan was literally in August this year. All normal and my endometrium was 3.2 mm all was good apart from the moderate atrophy. I have never been offered HRT and my concerns have never been discussed. I went originally as i had a period after ( i think 18 months) but thats just it maybe it wasn’t that long, maybe i had spotting and hadn’t realised. You count back to the start if you even have spotting?! 😞 maybe I’m just not done yet, its that simple. Its just worrying me so much and giving me anxiety. I just wish i could know for sure that all is good and its just normal peri.

Hey OP - I know it can be nerve wracking.

the Investigations you’ve just had give a lot of comfort. I’d still contact your GP and explain your current period.

I’m approx 7 years post menopause now. I had 2 years or so with no periods at all, then two or three proper full on ones after Covid vaccines.

i also had some lesser bleeds after losing lots of weight (happily) with Mounjaro.

each time, I’ve had scans which have shown no issues.

bodies are bloody mysterious (pun intended!!).

I’ve always got them checked out just to on the safe side.

Spotting ( if it's not a full 12 months since any other bleed ) can count as a light period in peri and as you've had a scan you won't have another one.

The fact all was fine on the scan should reassure you.

I'd try to put that behind you and accept everything's okay.

hi just an update. I went to the doctors yesterday and she wasn’t concerned at all, as scans and checks were only done in August. She said they are periods and i’m just not finished yet. Will make sure this time i keep a log of dates. Thank you everyone for your advice.