Hello to you all - I used to suffer from endometriosis when I was younger (am now 69) and had several gynaecological operations for various things including ovarian cysts.
For about three months I have had lower back ache (started off being intermittent but now there all the time) and my bowel habits have changed but no bleeding. Got put on a two week referral and had a scan where the sonographer said she could see what she thought was a fibroid and a thickened endometrium. Have now been told I need a hysteroscopy to confirm.
I didn't think you could get fibroids post menopause but not sure if my past gynae history meant that could still be possible.
Hi Lins
Welcome to the Womb group.
I am sorry to hear that you have had some symptoms that are causing concern.
Fibroids tend to start to shrink post menopausal however can sometimes still remain and cause issues. Fibroids are benign. It sounds like they believe it to be a fibroid and want to look closer to check.
With your past gynae history and symptoms of lower back ache and change in bowel habits- then the ultrasound would be the normal first step.
Because they have identified some hyperplasia (thickened endometrial lining) then the next step is normally the hysteroscopy. They are simply taking a closer look. At the same time they would normally take some biopsies to rule out any cancer being the cause.
The hyperplasia can have different causes. One type is not a cause for concern and would likely be monitored and may not require any treatment. Another type is more concerning as it has the potential, in some ladies, with time lead to cancer developing. This type would normally have treatment advised.
So at the moment they are doing the routine checks that would be expected- an endometrium that is thickened post menopause (anything over 5 mm) needs checking out.
I hope that the tests can be done quickly and provide some reassurance. In the meantime if there is anything you need, then please do ask.
Having tests can be a worrying time and if you feel that talking things through would help, then please do give the Support Line a call. They are there from 8am-8pm daily.
Jane
