menopause - Menopause Message Board

sharon007 · 03-22-2004, 01:24 AM

Hello. A couple years ago i stopped having a period, maybe a very light one every 6 months or so, a couple weeks ago i began what i thought was spotting but it's been everyday now & it seems unusual to me, am i for lack of a better word..bleeding out? or is there a problem.
I can't just go to a doctor & see if there is a problem cuz i don't have insurance, or the money to afford that luxury, can someone maybe help to answer my question. Thank You.
sharon

csoar2004 · 03-22-2004, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharon007

Hello. A couple years ago i stopped having a period, maybe a very light one every 6 months or so, a couple weeks ago i began what i thought was spotting but it's been everyday now & it seems unusual to me, am i for lack of a better word..bleeding out? or is there a problem.
I can't just go to a doctor & see if there is a problem cuz i don't have insurance, or the money to afford that luxury, can someone maybe help to answer my question. Thank You. sharon

Bleeding vaginally again after a lengthy time of no menstrual flow can be an indication of serious conditions (endometrial problems) or benign (polyps). We cannot diagnose you here,

you REALLY need to see a medical provider.
Call up your nearest Planned Parenthood (YES! Most of them DO see older women and those in menopause) where you can receive low cost or free services.

You might also look for a community clinic (look under clinics in the yellow pages), who also exist to serve the low income and uninsured.

Please get this checked out right away, because waiting may make it ultimately MORE expensive.

Good luck!

charli
highest wt: 233
203/146/146 on Fat Flush Plan for life
age: 50, in menopause and lovin' it

sharon007 · 03-23-2004, 03:16 AM

Charli..Thanks for the heads up..but i have'nt a clue what endometrial is? so i'll look it up on the internet & do a little research of it's cause's & effect's, but to be completely honest i'll be 50 in august & i've never had an illness other than the common cold, or flu. I understand it's better to be safe than sorry, but would i need to get a blood test or something to know of this condition for sure? cuz i'm a big coward when it come's to the medical field & more often than not i tend to stick my head in the sand unfortunately.
Sincerely.
sharon

csoar2004 · 03-23-2004, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharon007

Charli..Thanks for the heads up..but i have'nt a clue what endometrial is? so i'll look it up on the internet & do a little research of it's cause's & effect's, but to be completely honest i'll be 50 in august & i've never had an illness other than the common cold, or flu. I understand it's better to be safe than sorry, but would i need to get a blood test or something to know of this condition for sure? cuz i'm a big coward when it come's to the medical field & more often than not i tend to stick my head in the sand unfortunately. Sincerely. sharon

Hi Sharon-
The endometrium is the layer of tissue that lines the uterus. Given your age and the fact that you're menopausal (no more periods), the concern is that you may have developed something called endometrial hyperplasia (pre cursor to uterine cancer)

Quote:

Endometrial hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in the lining of the uterus. It is not cancer. Sometimes it develops into cancer. Heavy menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding after menopause are common symptoms of hyperplasia. It is most common after age 40.

This is a worst case scenario because you may have nothing more than a benign polyp. You could stick your head in the sand and promise yourself that, as an essentially healthy person cancer can't happen to you, but delaying treatment can prove catastrophic. And believe me...if it IS endometrial hyperplasia, the cost of dealing with it goes up with time and disease progression. Check out this NIH info site: [url]http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/uterus[/url]
And be honest with yourself - wouldn't you feel better knowing for sure whether the problem is caused by a benign polyp vs pre-cancerous changes of the uterine lining?

I sure would!!
And no, it's not checked with a blood draw, but by an exam similar to pap smear. Again, for your peace of mind and future health, I urge you to get this evaluated ASAP.

best wishes,
charli

BonBe · 03-23-2004, 09:33 AM

Hello, I just had to respond. Normally I post on another board, but lately my 'health issues' have begun to spread to here.

I am soon 54, been menopause (no period) for 3 years, so consider myself well through it. Last week, I began what I could only call a massive period, complete with pre menstrual severe cramps tender (very tender breasts) more than I have ever had in my whole life. This tenderness, plus not normal for me low back pain) began 2 full weeks prior to the bleeding. It came as a shock. To tell the truth, I am not on HRT (I am hypothyroid, been on meds for that for 7 years thereabouts) I went through the usual menopausal things, but nothing I could not handle. Till now.

about 5 years ago, I was discovered to have a 'common uterine fibroid' and a cyst on the right ovary. which has caused no problems to me at all up to last week. Went to the doctor immed as post menopausal bleeding is not something to 'write off' and sure enough this coming Thursday I have to go in for pelvic ultra sound with a vag probe. Now this is scaring me to death (not only the possible problem, but the darn old test too!!!) My doctor wrote something that looks like Post-menopausal bleeding ? endometrial thickness (dunno what that means)

But I guess what I am saying, is if you experience anything like bleeding after you have been minus periods for say 12 months (here in Canada it is 12 months) then get yourself right off to the doctor. Charli is correct on this...it is not something to play around with by no means.

I hope it is nothing, but somehow I do not think so. In the 3 years that have passed I have quite forgotten what colour the blood should be for "normal periods' this was very bright coloured which made me take notice.

Thanks for any input, if you can offer advice go ahead, I will appreciate it.

Bonbe