Odd bleeding federal to gynaecology

[Kmz79]

looking for anyone else with a similar experience.

for about two years now my periods have been getting odd. I was usually regular but the time between periods has been erratic, some shorter gaps, some longer. Periods have never gone over seven days but sometimes I bleed for fewer days, sometimes light, sometimes heavy. On a couple of occasions I have passed clots much bigger than usual. Some odd spotting in between periods then a couple of months ago a big bleed which I thought was a period but only lasted 3 days. I’ve also started to get sore breasts before my period which I’ve never suffered with before.

Went to GP in December and ordered blood tests for hormones, full blood count and vitamin d. Hormones were fine, vitamin d was low (who’s isn’t this time of year). Smear was due but had to delay until last week, but doctor said everything looks healthy. Had two ultrasounds, one private one NHS and all they found was a small 1.5cm fibroid.

Doctor is now referring me to gynaecologist, but also looking into me starting the mini pill. I asked what gynaecologist would do and she said most likely a hysteroscopy, which I’ve been firm about not having but will discuss and make a decision. I asked what could be causing these issues and what the hysteroscopy was for and doctor said all that’s left to rule out is endometrial cancer (very unlikely, I’m only 44), endometrial hyperplasia, or it’s just one of those things. Said they may offer IUS too but I wouldn’t have it.

anyone else with similar story. What was your outcome and what tests did you have? How did you find your hysteroscopy?

Possibly a silly question but could it just be the perimenopause? It sounds very like the periods/bleeding I had when I started. Hormone tests are useless at diagnosing this because your hormones can fluctuate so much In perimenopause that it could look like they’re fine if you have bloods taken one day then if they were taken a few days later show a completely different picture.

I ended up having a couple of ultrasounds and an AMH test, which combined to show my ovaries were very shrivelled, my AMH was extremely low and my endometrial layer was of normal thickness. If you do have a hysteroscopy, I’d insist on a general anaesthetic or at least on heavy sedation and lots of strong painkillers - I’ve heard it can be pretty painful.

TBH that’s what I thought the bloods were going to confirm as I’m pretty sure this is most likely perimenopause. But once someone mentions the C word you start to worry, although I’m pretty confident if this was endometrial cancer after two years something would have shown up on the two ultrasounds but I suppose without further tests no one can ever be 100%. Doctor did say it was a regular referral not a two week one and it could take 8-12 months, so in the meantime if smear results are fine she’s happy to try me on the mini pill and if that sorts the bleeding then she said go back and discuss cancelling the referral.

I had similar at 48. My Dr thought it was probably just my age but referred me for a scan anyway. That led to them finding a thickened endometrium and a referral to gynae.

I had the hysteroscopy, which was ok, a load of polyps removed and thought that would be the end of it. I had endometrial cancer. Two weeks later I had everything out, and four years on, I'm still cancer free.

I don't want to scare you, but do have the hysteroscopy if offered. I had mine with a local, but I believe it can be done under general if you ask.

Was it possible to have a friend or relative with you for your hysteroscopy? I think if I’m going to try it having my other half to hand hold would help. I know it sounds odd but he’s quite good at hand holding and distracting. I absolutely dread smears but the last two times he’s come along and held my hand, cracked jokes and been there if I need someone to whack or cry on.

Oh and my thickness on both scans was normal for where I was in my cycle, thickest was 11mm then I came on three days later.

Same ordeal but lots of spotting and bleeding between periods. Been ongoing for years. Only thing was as you say, smear, ultrasound, pill, hysteroscopy where coil was fitted. Still having issues. Told its “hormonal” x