Abnormal bleeding and stomach issues

[TXKelly]

Hello,  I am experiencing some symptoms that are sounding like ovarian cancer.  Wanted to hear from someone who can say whether these sound like OC or IBS or something!!!! I have had terrible stomach pain, lower abdominal pain, and abnormal vaginal bleeding (brownish, mucous for 3 weeks).  I went to my gyn, they have ordered an ultrasound, CA 125, thyroid test, and anemia.  However, after reading a lot I am starting to worry it my be ovarian cancer.  I do not have any discomfort when pressure is applied to that area though. I am scared, and think, how can I wait until the end of feb. to find out anything?  Any thoughts about this type of bleeding and stomach discomfort?  Thank you!

[MickeyVicki]

Anemia is usually determined by the 'finger-*****' bloodtest done in the doctor's office.  If you are somewhat anemic and  have heartburn type stomach pain then it is possible that you do have a thyroid condition.  Have you gained or lost weight recently?  As for the abdominal pain and irregular bleeding, these both can be caused endometriosis.  Taken all together, your symptoms are also read like common symptoms of perimenopause.  You did not mention your age, but if you are 35 or older then you could be in the early stages leading to menopause.

[Julee]

Hi- I know how you feel.  I am scared right now too.  I went for an ultrasound last week and found out that I have an ovarian cyst about an inch and a half big.  Well I finally heard from the DR today and she said the cyst is no big deal but that I have a solid mass on the other ovary.  I am going for lab work (not sure exactly which tests) and a cat scan tomorrow morning.  I have been having abnormal bleeding for the last couple months- periods are light but lasting 2 wks.  Lots of cramps and back pain.  Abnormal gas.  The one think that is worrying me the most is that I have been waking up with night sweats a lot over the last couple months while I've had these other symptoms.  I keep telling myself I am just sleeping with too many blankets on, but I don't know.

[MickeyVicki]

Your night sweats are likely the result of hormone inbalances caused by the cysts on your ovaries.  I missed a complete monthly cycle due to a large cyst on one ovary.  My doctor said that it was most likely that ovary's month to run the 'hormone  show' but it was so badly damaged by the endometrioma that it no longer functioned.

I have been suffering from night sweats for about four years.  I was already in the earliest stage of perimenopaus, and my symptoms are worse since that ovary was removed.

[mommitude]

night sweats are definately a sign of perimenapause - there are alternative treatments like prescriptive creams that can be made for YOUR level of hormone need to prevent it. The downside? They aren't always covered by insurance, but it is something to look into.

[Julee]

Nope, I think I can rule that out... I'm only 29.