Hello,
I am 48 years old (never had children) and my periods stopped in November 2021, at the same time that I lost my Mum to cancer. I thought that they had stopped due to the emotional upheaval of losing Mum. My recollections are hazy but I saw my GP more than 12 months later (2023 I think) and she referred me for a scan at the hospital and they confirmed that I had gone through the menopause. In 2024 I had several periods (maybe 3?) and I think I had another in January of this year.
Three weeks ago I woke up on a Saturday morning with a nasty pain at the front and back of my pelvis; it was so bad that I couldn't really stand up straight. That lasted a week, a constant dull ache that made it difficult to stand up straight. So the Monday after a week of the pain, I called to make a GP appointment and fortunately they saw me that day. My GP tried to do an internal examination, but couldn't because of the pain and she sent me straight to the emergency gynae assessment unit at the hospital. They did an ultrasound and found that the lining of the womb had significantly thickened and that there was a cyst (or something) on the right ovary. Hmmmm... They wanted me to have a biopsy that day but (and I am annoyed now that i declined) I had been at the hospital more than 8 hours and I was exhausted.
I now have an appointment on 6th May for the hysteroscopy. I don't know if I'm imagining it but the pain seems to be easing - or am I kidding myself. I was wondering...because I have a thickened womb, will they remove it even if it isn't cancerous? My Mum, her mum, her cousin, her grandfather, her uncle all went with cancer and other family members have been treated for it.
My mind is whirling and I don't want to talk to my family about it...it was a tough ride with Mum.
Apologies for the long post. I just needed someone to talk to.
Thank you,
Kate x
Hi Kate
Welcome to the Womb group.
I am sorry to hear of all your troubles. It sounds like you have done the right thing in getting checked out. As you went through the menopause in 2023, any bleeding since would need investigating. I can understand that it is a worrying time, particularly after having such a tough ride with Mum.
The thickened lining is hyperplasia and it can be different types and can cause bleeding. One type is nothing to be concerned about and can resolve on its own or with treatment. The other type can, in some ladies, develop into cancer later on so it needs addressing. This link explains a bit more.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Where a thickened lining is seen on the ultrasound it is normal to have a hysteroscopy and biopsy next. The biopsy is taken to check for cancer cells and hopefully rule it out. The hysteroscopy is just a tiny camera so they can take a closer look.
This will be the first step. The next would be to investigate further the potential cyst on your ovary. I would expect them to do a blood test in the first instance.
If the endometrial biopsy comes back as cancer is present then normally there would be a CT/MRI scan. Most ladies are offered a hysterectomy as a first line of treatment- where it is medically possible.
If the endometrial biopsy comes back as clear on cancer- then treatment will depend on what type of hyperplasia is found.
Hope this helps. I wish you well for your hysteroscopy and in the meantime we are here if you have any questions.
Jane
