Hi there, sorry for bothering you all with my worries.
I am 41 and have been experiencing abnormal bleeding for quite some time now.
I used to be set your clock regular but a while ago my periods became more erratic, prolonged and painful.
I had the mirena coil fitted in 2022 and although things became more regular, recently (last year or so) I was getting more spotting between periods.
I went to see my Dr and they checked my coil all seemed in place and fine.
The spottng continued but became more of a problem so went back the the Dr. I was then put on the mini pill and as I was going on holiday, given Provera to prevent any unwanted bleeding.
I was ok with this and went away on holiday and although was on the Provera, I started bleeding. This carried on for 3 weeks.
I went to a peri menopause group and spoke to a Dr again about my bleeding. She was shocked that I was having this despite all the meds and coil.
I'm due to see her again and been referred to have an ultrasound.
Also must add that I do experience bleeding after sex.
I'm just so worried as I know something isn't right.
Sorry for the waffle
Hi Toria84
Do not feel like it is bothering us by telling us your worries. Its what these forums are here for- to offer support to others.
I also had some abnormal bleeding in my 40's and was put on the mini pill. For me this effectively stopped my periods and all was fine.
You have done the right thing in going back to your doctor as normally the coil and provera should have had some effect and as you are still experiencing bleeding then it needs checking.
I think trust your own instincts and if you know something isn't right, continue to press for it all to be checked. The ultrasound is the normal next step in these circumstances and will look to see how thick your endometrium is and whether there are any obvious polyps/fibroids/ovarian cysts etc.
If everything comes back ok then it may well be that they have to look at the medication you are on and see if it is contributing to the bleeding. If something is seen- such as a thickened womb lining then it would be normal to have a hysteroscopy (camera test) and a biopsy to see what is going on.
If you have been put on an urgent pathway then I would expect the ultrasound to be done within the next 2 weeks. For me, I had the ultrasound at 5 one day and by the following morning I had a call to go in. So once they do it- you should hopefully know something pretty quickly.
if it is a routine referral then the wait will depend on how busy your hospital is. One thing you can do is to ask whether there is a short notice cancellation list.
I hope you do not have to wait too long to have the scan and you are doing the right thing in getting checked.
It can be a worrying time, undergoing such tests so please do give the Support Line a call if you want to talk things through. The number is below.
Good Luck
Jane
It may say on your NHS app if it is an urgent referral- or you could ask the hospital. I would suggest asking for it to be done on the 2 week pathway.
I understand that its exhausting. It sounds like they are being thorough and it does not necessarily mean there is anything sinister going on- more they want to rule out anything- the ultrasound is simply to have a closer look in the area. It is normally a tummy one- like in pregnancy and then a transvaginal one- a bit uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.
Jane
