Hi
I've just turned 56, this week on 21st Jan I experienced spotting followed by daily bleeding (still continuing) similar to a light period from memory. Prior to this I've not had a period for over five years.
Since October 2023 I've been on HRT, Estradiol and Utrogestan, early few weeks I experienced spotting as mentioned in side effects but nothing since.
I've saw my doctor on an emergency appointment after doing a e-consult on 22nd Jan and had a cervical examination (last smear was February 2024 Normal) I've also been referred to Gynecologist this coming Monday.27th. Very impressed with service so far.
I've googled, and i've scared myself. I've been experiencing lower back pain of and on for the last six weeks and also my right hip has had issues when out walking. I'm hoping both of these are unrelated.
I'm also in the process of trying to exchange on a house and hoping to move in the next 8 weeks so stress levels are high anyway and any urgent surgery will throw a spanner in the works.
Can anyone tell me what is likely to happen at my Gynecologist appointment, I've been told to allow 2 hours.
How likely is it I will need a surgery of some sort, i'm already on the waiting list for gallbladder removal due to a cluster of polyps, this is precautionary due to the risk of them turning cancerous.
I'm just trying to prepare myself for any eventuality, also due to the speed of appointments is this going to turn out to be serious?
Thank you for reading and any advice or experiences that you feel might be helpful I'd be grateful.
Thank you
Hello Quizzical
Welcome to the Womb group.
My experience of bleeding meant a fast track referral. With any post menopausal bleeding testing is needed to rule out any cancer. it does not mean that there is cancer definitely there, just that in some ladies the bleeding could be the first sign that something is amiss. I was told it was 1 in 10 post menopausal bleeds by the first consultant I saw.
My first test was to have scans. One abdominal (similar to a pregnancy scan) and one trans vaginally. This showed something was not as it should be. I was called the morning after the scan by a nurse who asked me to come in for a biopsy. At that appointment I was asked about general and gynaecological medical history. I was given an internal examination and then a biopsy was performed. At the same appointment I was told that I would be hearing about a CT scan in the next few days.
About a week later I had a phone call to say I had cancer. A couple of weeks later I was called in for an appointment with a consultant who went through the diagnosis and treatment. I had a pre op assessment later that day( Friday). I had surgery on the Monday.
I think the thing to remember is that the bleeding could have possible reasons other than cancer, but the most serious causes need to be ruled out. Treatment will depend on what is causing your symptoms.
For endometrial cancer most ladies are offered a hysterectomy.
If the bleeding has been caused by the HRT, then that may need to be altered.
If the bleeding has a benign cause such as polyps or fibroids then they may need to be dealt with in a different way.
It sounds like your appointment is going to be a full gynaecological check up and that is good that they are being thorough. There may be a number on your appointment letter that you could call and ask what the appointment entails. Your GP may also be able to look at the notes and see.
Good Luck
Jane
