Abnormal and heavy bleeding

[hallefairy]

Hello,

I have been having abnormal bleeding between periods and really long heavy periods. Waiting for my gynaecologist appointment for a scan and biopsy.

If you have experienced this, what was the cause please?

I am 35, had a baby about 10 months ago.

I had this two years ago, aged 46. In my case it was due to a very, very thick womb lining. Was a bit worried as that can indicate endometrial cancer but it can also be totally benign - as mine was.
I had a scan then hysteroscopy and biopsy (which was a breeze) and mirena coil.
It's probably something similar or maybe just possibly a bit of placenta got left behind and is buggering up the process. My mum had to have a d&c to sort matters out after both her deliveries for this reason.

Very unlikely to be anything sinister and even if it was endometrial cancer (which at your age it almost certainly isn't) then it's easily and effectively treated.

Just hang on to your appointment, things will get better soon. Would you consider a mirena?

@whenemmafallsinlove thank you so much for replying, I'm so anxious about everything.

Yes the doctor I spoke to who ordered the scan and endometrial biopsy said they would like to put a Mirena coil in afterwards. Ideally I wanted to stay off all hormones but also I need to control this bleeding, so I would consider this.

He said most likely hormonal given my age but will biopsy to be sure. I have obviously googled since this and just keep seeing 'cancer!'

I hear you. I went to gp thinking hormonal cause then she mentioned a scan and it clicked with me that cancer had to be ruled out. Was a nasty shock tbh. But it's VERY unlikely to be that for you. I was t too keen on the mirena but after a period so bad I couldn't leave the house I was like sign me up! It has greatly improved matters.

Hi, have you always had heavy/long periods or is this a new development? I’m not sure this is related (as I haven’t had any children) but when I was bleeding between periods & after sex, I was diagnosed with cervical erosion (doesn’t sound pretty, but it’s harmless really). I underwent all sorts of tests & scans & everything online said cancer so I was expecting the worst. I probably made myself more ill than the erosion itself.

Just wanted to offer some reassurance that it’s not always worst case scenario as I know how scary the waiting can be ❤️ hopefully once you’ve had your tests the results will put your mind at ease x

@whenemmafallsinlove thank you. Did you have a scan and biopsy in the end? Did they ever get to the bottom of the bleeding?

@Sleepypixxie no I haven't. Before my two children everything was normal and regular. Things started changing after the birth of my first child a few years ago - but only recently has the bleeding between periods start.

I have recently had a smear and they checked my cervix and said everything looked ok but I guess the scan will show more.

Thank you for replying :) xx

I was very anti Mirena as I didn’t want more hormones (menopause and hrt had been great but started to get issues) .the Mirena has been fine for me.

good luck with it all.

Hi i'm pre-menopausal and experienced very heavy, prolonged bleeding. I had a hysteroscopy and biopsy and at the same time they removed a polyp, fitted the Mirena coil and did a smear. Since then, the coil has really helped. I was reluctant but it made a big difference.

@mumwithallthebooks that's great, I think I will go for the coil at the appointment. Did your biopsy results show anything or just 'hormonal' reasons for bleeding?

Blood tests were OK but my scan showed endo and adenomyosis

Good luck with your scan OP. If you have already had it, I hope you got the all clear. Going through a similar situation myself with a VERY long period (30 days!). I'm older than you but also waiting for a scan. The waiting is worrying but hopefully we both get good news.

@Seekinginfolady thank you. Sorry to hear you're going through the same. I had the scan and they saw my lining was thickened and took a biopsy. I am currently waiting for results, so we can wait together. I'm so anxious, keep checking my phone and the post daily. Do you have any other symptoms?

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this stress. Did they say how long your results would take? Keeping fingers crossed for you. Hopefully thickened lining is due to a hormonal imbalance than can be easily fixed. I know easier said than done but stay relaxed. Good luck and keep us posted if you can, or feel free to rant here whilst you await results.

@Seekinginfolady thank you, they said up to 6 weeks - which seems ages. I will keep you posted :-)

@Seekinginfolady ps. I also had the mirena coil fitted. I'm spotting but not bleeding as much as I was!

Hi hallefairy, hope you received good news.

Hello,

I did thank you @Seekinginfolady- my biopsy results came back normal :)

Great to hear