I am 23 years old and just last week had my very first visit with my gynecologist. (I know I should have gone sooner, but I was always too afraid.)

This was just a normal visit, exam, pap smear, etc… I have had abnormal bleeding for several years now, usually bleeding one day out of each week…never having a full period (no shedding of the uterine lining…etc)

Because of this, my gynecologist set me up an appointment for a regular ultrasound, and a transvaginal ultrasound (which I had done yesterday 8/02/06).

Shortly after the ultrasounds, I met with my doctor for the results. She said the good news was that the ultrasound looked good, no cysts, or anything abnormal like that. However she said that my uterine lining was very thick. She said that she has never seen anyone with the lining so thick before.

She said she was concerned about it, and instead of sending me out for a biopsy (which could have taken days) she decided that they needed to do it that day. She said that it was “worrisome”.

So I had the biopsy done in the office (which was quite painful for me). When it was complete, the nurse who was in the room assisting stated, “…that’s a lot, more than I’ve seen before!” The doctor did show me the small container which had the lining in it, and there was a lot, but I don’t’ know what’s normal or not. Apparently they are sending it for testing.

In the mean time, the doctor gave me a prescription for ten Progesterone pills which after ten days, will make me have a period and help shed the rest of the lining. Then within 5 days of finishing the last Progesterone pill, my doctor prescribed me birth control pills to take.

I’m sure I won’t hear anything for a few days on the result of the biopsy, but is this something I should be worried about? I normally wouldn’t worry so much, but I could tell the doctor was concerned by the tone in her voice. That scared me a little.

My aunt who I’m very close to had to have a complete hysterectomy in her early 30’s because of a problem like mine. I don’t know what to think.

Any thoughts? Are these Progesterone pills safe to take? They seem to have a lot of side effects.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!

- Kari

I doubt you need to panic! The fact that nothing abnormal was found on your ultrasound lets you know there were no growths of any sort. It may be that since you are not getting a regular period every month the lining is building up and never being released. If you got your fist period at 13 that's 10 year's worth! Perhaps there is a hormonal imbalance which can be addressed with the BC pills. If you do not hear back from your dr soon by all means call and express your concern. Explain that you were very unsettled by her explanation and would like more details. It is their JOB to explain your health issues to you!

You have probably been anovulatory for some time (that explains why you are having intermittent bleeding with no period). The progesterone (provera) should flush everything out. Are you overweight by any chance? Often, that can cause that type of problem (a ton of estrogen without any ovulation to produce progesterone and then a bleed).