Endometrial thickening, vaginal discharge, fibroids, ovarian cysts

After having periods every 3 mos for about a year, my last full period was in July 2005. Blood tests late 2004 showed signs of early menopause, but by October 2005 showed hormone levels fully menopausal.

I have been experiencing discharge requiring small pad everyday and "anxious bladder." Also have history of fibroids, endometriosis surgery in 1992 with scar tissue attached to duodenal wall "cut" during laprascopic surgery. 3-4 years ago doctor said I could have hysterectomy to alleviate monthly cramping/burning pains thought to be caused by fibroids, but at the time I thought it was too radical. Pain diminished as periods went away, but burning abdominal pains and some cramping, lower back pain and pain in left side have returned.

Now, at 48, my transvaginal ultrasound shows several small ovarian cysts, a 2 1/2cm and a 4cm fibroid and uterine thickness approx twice what they'd like to see. Endometrial biopsy yesterday won't return results for 2 wks. Needless to say, I'm a bit worried, as they are looking for signs of cancer.

What are causes of endometrial thickening? How often does endometriosis return, and can it be a complication after menopause begins? Watery vaginal discharge getting worse in last 5 days. Spotting only Jan 15 and Jan 21 (about 1 tsp) coming at the end of what seemed like "pre-period" cramping, and on  recent 3 mo cycle (with the exception of skipping Oct), which is what prompted tests.

Menopause is still new to me, and I'd like to understand if some or all of these symptoms are common.

Thank you.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. It sounds like you are having a very difficult time and the waiting and worrying are adding to it which is understandable.

Several small ovarian cysts may be very normal at 48 and small fibroids are present in up to 40% of women.
Endometrial thickening can be benign and caused by low levels of estrogen and a lack of progesterone as you transition into menopause.  Estrogen builds up the lining and no more progesterone prevents it from leveling off and shedding.  Even if there is abnormal endometrial thickening, it takes about 10 years for it to turn into cancer, so it

[loraina]

dr. ,i am writing to ask about my son's fianmay. and she rarely has periods. we finerally got her to go to a dr. she will be 25 in may. he did the ultra sounds and she has poly ovarian cystic syndrone. he sent her to a gyno dr. she hasn't been there yet, they also did the probe on her. and told her she would never be able to have children because of this. isn't their treatments  to help her? what is usually done? she weighs about 320 now, he said when the cysts are removed that she will lose wt fast. if that is so, isn't there hormones that she can take to get her periods reg. and she will be able to have children? we all would appreciate any thing you can tell us, ty and blessings,loraina

[alexz]

Hello L.W

How did you go with your results ? Hope all is well.
My mum is going in on 18th April for D&C as they have found that she has very thick endometrial lining. She is going through menopause as we speak. We are really worried and are praying that it is nothing serious.

[Tjoyce]

I have some personal experience with your question.  I would suggest she find an endocrinologist/gynocologist.  I know of one in the Springfield, Mass area.  The doctor I'm referring to is a fertility specialist, a gynocologist with a sub specialty in endocrinology.  Good luck, tjoyce