Followup re post-meopause bleeding/abnormal pap - Cancer: Breast Message Board

jeopardymom · 04-01-2004, 03:24 PM

Hello to all you wise women and your input/insight again please.
I wrote" I'm 48. Four years ago I had my last period. Last week I went for my first pap (I know, I'm kicking myself) in four yrs. Two days later I began bleeding heavily, (8 days of this and I'm still spotting) but attributed it to the exam until my doc called to say my pap was abnormal. "

Today (April 1) my g.p.'s office called with the results of my transvaginal ultrasound (done March 30) to ask if I had a GYN appt. When I told them the earliest I could get was June they got on the phone and arranged for me to be seen TODAY, telling me I had an ovarian cyst and an "endomentrial stripe". The GYN did a biopsy and said my endomentrial stripe was at 15 cm, and that over 6cm was considered a problem. She went on to say that this all could be the result of a post-menopausal "hormonal surge" in which my ovaries became stimulated and mimicked menstruation for 'one last stand'? (I can't find any information on this). She did not have thr results of my abnormal pap from my GP and will call with all results within a week. Any ideas? Any of you know about this endometrrial stripe or hormone surge business? (I don't take any kind of hormones).
Thanks. You all are great.

BonBe · 04-04-2004, 02:36 PM

hi I am reletivly new to this particular board as well. my story is similar to you, in that I have been post menopausal for 3 years, and suddenly after a few weeks of feeling absolutely horrid, nauseated, very very tender breasts, (had to wear bra 24/7) I had one whopping massive 'period' Very very bright coloured flow as well. I am 54 years old. Made appt to see the doctor who sent me to the hospital for transvaginal ultra sound, and then called me last Friday to come in to see her tomorrow.

I knew I had a ovarian cyst from years ago, Back then the GYN I I was sent to did a 'in office' biopsy, nothing wrong, just a small cyst, and a fibroid. Had an ultra sound before that appt. Told me to watch out for strange things and sent me on my way, then 6 years later, this happens.

My doctor wrote 'endometrial thickening' with a question mark, but when I was called to come in tomorrow, it is for a rather large notable cyst. So I am rather nervous. I am not nor ever have been on HRT but am on medications for Hypothyroidism.

I hope you get the information you are looking for regarding your 'stripe' and I have never in my life heard of a 'hormonal surge' sort of like the LAST HURRAH? unreal.... but I am def not understanding that.....

BonBe

Marimac · 04-04-2004, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeopardymom

Hello to all you wise women and your input/insight again please.
I wrote" I'm 48. Four years ago I had my last period. Last week I went for my first pap (I know, I'm kicking myself) in four yrs. Two days later I began bleeding heavily, (8 days of this and I'm still spotting) but attributed it to the exam until my doc called to say my pap was abnormal. "

Today (April 1) my g.p.'s office called with the results of my transvaginal ultrasound (done March 30) to ask if I had a GYN appt. When I told them the earliest I could get was June they got on the phone and arranged for me to be seen TODAY, telling me I had an ovarian cyst and an "endomentrial stripe". The GYN did a biopsy and said my endomentrial stripe was at 15 cm, and that over 6cm was considered a problem. She went on to say that this all could be the result of a post-menopausal "hormonal surge" in which my ovaries became stimulated and mimicked menstruation for 'one last stand'? (I can't find any information on this). She did not have thr results of my abnormal pap from my GP and will call with all results within a week. Any ideas? Any of you know about this endometrrial stripe or hormone surge business? (I don't take any kind of hormones).
Thanks. You all are great.

I can not tell you what your doctor has found, but I can tell you that some women will store estrogen in fat cells and when menopause comes, of course estrogen levels drop. However, apparently once in a while some estrogen will be released from either a sudden weighloss, or just the last dregs from the ovaries. The other reasons are not wonderful to think about. But we will not go there. Fibroid tumors are supposed to resolve when estrogen supplies are low enough to stop periods. But sometimes during the perimenopausal years, the body gets confused and we stop having periods for no apparent reason. I had four periods last year and none since May 2003. I am at menopause age. I am hoping this is over for good. Good luck to you.

jeopardymom · 04-04-2004, 06:26 PM

Bonbe
Thank you so much for responding! (As misery loves company) I had the biopsy on 4/1 (April Fools Day) and have not heard back yet. I began bleeding again yesterday and it continues though not heavy like before, and darker now. I should hear something about the results in the next few days and am anxious to know of yours. Please keep in touch, and I hope your news is good.

jeopardymom · 04-04-2004, 06:31 PM

Marimac
Thank you for responding. (I didn't see your post when I replied to Bonbe). I'm not trying to sound like Mother Terera here, but my biggest concern is not with possibly having cancer, it's how my beautiful daughters, 28,16, and 14, will respond if I do. Especially since they lost their (paternal) grandmother to cancer at my same age of 48.