Aa
hysterectomy or wait ??
I am 54. I have had 4 years of abnormal bleeding and my gyn refuses to discuss except to say that eventually my menopause will happen. I have very heavy bleeding, am now mildly anemic. I skip some months but when I do get my period, it's very heavy for many days. Have any other readers had this waiting game? I've known other women who have gotten hysterectomy due to this. He never mentions it. I had a D&C last year and after many days of heavy bleeding, my periods got better. I just wondered if 4 years is unusual. I was told it's hormonal problems.
Right now, i haven't had a period in 10 weeks...hooray...but this has happened many times. It usually means i will have terrible bleeding again with the next period that comes. Thanks.
Right now, i haven't had a period in 10 weeks...hooray...but this has happened many times. It usually means i will have terrible bleeding again with the next period that comes. Thanks.
I recently discovered while reading that women who go thru menopause later than age 50 have increased chance of breast cancer, I don't know why except it must have to do with the hormones of course. On second thought for you I would get another doctors opinion if you should continue this way or have the hysterectomy. Keep me posted on whats going on.
Madge
Madge
You don't mention your age, I was wondering if you are over 50, like me.
I haven't had a period in two months. I have alot of dry skin now and many menopausal
signs. Last month I started to finally have hot flashes and I get about 10 a day (short ones).
I noticed that stress and hot weather and hot foods or beverages cause them or aggravate them. I also get mild panicked feelings and anxiety. These are all new for me. Now I am on that roller-coaster. My doctor is happy that I'm not bleeding like i was. I have to go for another ultra-sound if I get another period, so far I haven't had one in two months. I'm hoping I am going to stop bleeding altogether.
Did you go on any type of hormone replacement therapy after your hysterectomy?
For me, peri-menopause has been semi-difficult. I have sleep interruptions lately and that is new too. Basically, I am quieter and semi-ticked off all the time. It sounds like the menopause jokes I used to hear. I have two aunts with hysterectomy but my mother didn't require one. She had palpitations, itching, mood swings, night sweats, hot flashes, rage, anxiety...but no heavy bleeding...ever. So far in 2008, i've had 5 periods in 8 months.
I'm 54.
I haven't had a period in two months. I have alot of dry skin now and many menopausal
signs. Last month I started to finally have hot flashes and I get about 10 a day (short ones).
I noticed that stress and hot weather and hot foods or beverages cause them or aggravate them. I also get mild panicked feelings and anxiety. These are all new for me. Now I am on that roller-coaster. My doctor is happy that I'm not bleeding like i was. I have to go for another ultra-sound if I get another period, so far I haven't had one in two months. I'm hoping I am going to stop bleeding altogether.
Did you go on any type of hormone replacement therapy after your hysterectomy?
For me, peri-menopause has been semi-difficult. I have sleep interruptions lately and that is new too. Basically, I am quieter and semi-ticked off all the time. It sounds like the menopause jokes I used to hear. I have two aunts with hysterectomy but my mother didn't require one. She had palpitations, itching, mood swings, night sweats, hot flashes, rage, anxiety...but no heavy bleeding...ever. So far in 2008, i've had 5 periods in 8 months.
I'm 54.
I had a complete hysterectomy in Feb this year and I am right there with Misty4Me, it's changed my life and given me freedom too. I also suffer NO MORE PAIN! It was the best decision I had ever made :-)
I only have hotflashes every so often, but they are nothing compared to pain I suffered every month and the heavy bleeding. Besides hotflashes only last less than a minute, at least with me they do.
I only have hotflashes every so often, but they are nothing compared to pain I suffered every month and the heavy bleeding. Besides hotflashes only last less than a minute, at least with me they do.
A couple of years ago, I got the option to tough it out until menopause - the horrible pain, the heavy bleeding, the uncertainty of what to wear & not going anywhere too far from a bathroom.
A few months back, I found a dr experienced in lararoscopic hysterectomy and had the procedure in mid-April. I was out of the hospital the same day and back to work in a week.
The healing process is a little unexpected - feel great and then fatigued, aches, pains - all part of the pkg.
Bottom line ? I wish I would have done it years before.
It's changed my life and given me freedom. This is my personal experience.
A few months back, I found a dr experienced in lararoscopic hysterectomy and had the procedure in mid-April. I was out of the hospital the same day and back to work in a week.
The healing process is a little unexpected - feel great and then fatigued, aches, pains - all part of the pkg.
Bottom line ? I wish I would have done it years before.
It's changed my life and given me freedom. This is my personal experience.
The last thing I would do is a hysterectomy there a lot of alternatives for you look over the internet and see how unhappy all the women are who had the surgery. I wish I never would have I have suffered for two years and spent $8,000.00 of my own money doctor after doctor and no one has any answers This is a major problem you should watch out
Thank you for all your subsequent postings. I just saw them today on 5/28.
I have been thru all the tests, I have no fibroids, had a normal biopsy, lots of bleeding which is now easing back into normal periods every 32 days except for missing two consecutive months (march and april). The bleeding is more normal now. I had estrogen levels normal to child-bearing years just last month (sigh) and didn't go on progesterone. As I have posted, i am 54 and have had just about every test known to these doctors since last August. After having the D&C I bled for 60 days but I am now having periods with one-two days of heavy bleeding. I've gotten three and four different medical opinions, they've all said I should be stopping within a year or two if i am lucky.
There's a doctor out there who claims that heavy bleeders who have no other problems except bleeding are leading lives surrounded by difficult people she calls 'vampires'. She advises looking into personal relationships. How's them apples??
I have been thru all the tests, I have no fibroids, had a normal biopsy, lots of bleeding which is now easing back into normal periods every 32 days except for missing two consecutive months (march and april). The bleeding is more normal now. I had estrogen levels normal to child-bearing years just last month (sigh) and didn't go on progesterone. As I have posted, i am 54 and have had just about every test known to these doctors since last August. After having the D&C I bled for 60 days but I am now having periods with one-two days of heavy bleeding. I've gotten three and four different medical opinions, they've all said I should be stopping within a year or two if i am lucky.
There's a doctor out there who claims that heavy bleeders who have no other problems except bleeding are leading lives surrounded by difficult people she calls 'vampires'. She advises looking into personal relationships. How's them apples??
One final thought....if she had D&C then they obviously knew if there was fibroids in there or not. You can see from some of my e mails I am having %$%^$$% mood swings yet!
Hello Jennamre, :)
I encountered similar situation to yours with the heavy bleeding. I also had several other issue's going on like, regular cysts that wouldnt' go away, then complex cysts devoloped, fibroids in my uterus, uterus wall was thickening, then had a solid mass. Every situation is different and all doctors have their own thoughts on things. My surgeon isn't big on hyster either, but in my case it was necessary.
Do a lot of research about menopause and if you don't have any other issue's maybe surgery isn't for you. You could always see another doctor to see what they say, but having surgery isn't something you want to rush into unless you really need it.
Good luck. Sharon :)
I encountered similar situation to yours with the heavy bleeding. I also had several other issue's going on like, regular cysts that wouldnt' go away, then complex cysts devoloped, fibroids in my uterus, uterus wall was thickening, then had a solid mass. Every situation is different and all doctors have their own thoughts on things. My surgeon isn't big on hyster either, but in my case it was necessary.
Do a lot of research about menopause and if you don't have any other issue's maybe surgery isn't for you. You could always see another doctor to see what they say, but having surgery isn't something you want to rush into unless you really need it.
Good luck. Sharon :)
Madge - You took the words right out of my mouth! LOL!
Kathy - I too had abnormal bleeding before my hysterectomy and I did extensive searches on this and asked a lot of questions. My doctor even said my bleeding was coming from my uterus. I had transvaginal ultrasounds and endometrial (sp?) biopsies and luckily every thing turned out to be fine. How are you doing now?
Kathy - I too had abnormal bleeding before my hysterectomy and I did extensive searches on this and asked a lot of questions. My doctor even said my bleeding was coming from my uterus. I had transvaginal ultrasounds and endometrial (sp?) biopsies and luckily every thing turned out to be fine. How are you doing now?
Ys dear thats very true, and as the lady said she had been to her doctor and he said be patient you are going thru menopause I believe she brought that to his attention. No one told her NOT to seek more info, I think she is doing that other places than just in here....and I have been there and done that honey, and was letting her know she is not the only one to have had these trying days with menopause. Maybe only you should reply in here in future? Thanks for your know it all approach now I can do other things rather than come in here.
A prior person made the following comment:
"Abnormal bleeding and anemia are not something you just wait for to go away. Get a second opinion. Get an ultrasound. Get more information."
I SO agree with that. I was having abnormal bleeding (I'm 50 and blood tests had put me in menopause a year earlier). Concerned about uterine cancer, my doctor had an ultrasound performed to check the measurement of my endometrial stripe, which came back as "normal" (3 mm). But my doctor was VERY specific - if I continued to have bleeding he wanted further tests. I DID have bleeding (although very light) but I went in anyway - after a biopsy, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Bottom line..........ANY abnormal bleeding should be thoroughly investigated.
"Abnormal bleeding and anemia are not something you just wait for to go away. Get a second opinion. Get an ultrasound. Get more information."
I SO agree with that. I was having abnormal bleeding (I'm 50 and blood tests had put me in menopause a year earlier). Concerned about uterine cancer, my doctor had an ultrasound performed to check the measurement of my endometrial stripe, which came back as "normal" (3 mm). But my doctor was VERY specific - if I continued to have bleeding he wanted further tests. I DID have bleeding (although very light) but I went in anyway - after a biopsy, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Bottom line..........ANY abnormal bleeding should be thoroughly investigated.
thanks to all who have commented here. Yes, I had an internal hysteroscope that looked inside my uterus--and it's completely healthy and empty--no fibroids or polyps or endometriosis. The doc who did it said I had a hormone imbalance and needed Progesterone. We decided to wait and I have lighter periods (probably from the D&C, so that helped a little but only after bleeding for 60 days). I have had numerous ultra-sounds
and tests. My periods just don't stop, I still have about 10 a year and they are heavy.
I skipped the last two months but today it arrived. My doc said I am not close to menopause yet, even tho i am 54 and have had my period for 43 years. Thanks for your intelligent help.
and tests. My periods just don't stop, I still have about 10 a year and they are heavy.
I skipped the last two months but today it arrived. My doc said I am not close to menopause yet, even tho i am 54 and have had my period for 43 years. Thanks for your intelligent help.
Abnormanl bleeding could be during the period of time between pre menopause and actually achieving menopause is just that and therefore not out of the norm. Also note, it does not take much too throw you into just slight anemia. If it is more than a slight anemia then by all means get it checked asap.
I can only tell you about me. I had periods twice a month and then skip a month and then one and then two in the next month, and this went on for years and years...about ten years. I would go 4 months without one and then get it....it was a real PIA....just when you thing you have had enough.....badabing...you will be done. On the other hand if you think you may have fibroids or something else causing this bleeding....for our peace of mind get another oppinion. I wish you luck. Madge
I can only tell you about me. I had periods twice a month and then skip a month and then one and then two in the next month, and this went on for years and years...about ten years. I would go 4 months without one and then get it....it was a real PIA....just when you thing you have had enough.....badabing...you will be done. On the other hand if you think you may have fibroids or something else causing this bleeding....for our peace of mind get another oppinion. I wish you luck. Madge
Have you had ultrasound for fibroids? Ultimately it is YOUR body and YOUR decision. Research your options and consider getting a different doctor. Abnormal bleeding and anemia are not something you just wait for to go away. Get a second opinion. Get an ultrasound. Get more information.
I agree with Madge!
Seriously, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It will end eventually, but being anemic I'd get a second opinion.
Seriously, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It will end eventually, but being anemic I'd get a second opinion.
It is a very trying time I remember it well. Try and be patient and hopefully it will jsut stop one day and that will be it. I did the same thing for about 8 years actually before I stopped. Even after the periods stop you will continue to have those feelings of punching someone in the nose to crying or just hot flashes. Aint it grand to be a woman!!!!!
If you continue to be anemic that would be grounds for taking more action, as in hysterectomy. If you don't have to have major surgery I say don't do it. Make sure they watch your blood count. Keep in touch. Madge
If you continue to be anemic that would be grounds for taking more action, as in hysterectomy. If you don't have to have major surgery I say don't do it. Make sure they watch your blood count. Keep in touch. Madge
I had the same problems as you, along with endometriosis. My gyn always told me I was looking at an eventual hysterectomy, but I just couldn't face it. He left the decision up to me. When I finally faced the fact at 39 that I would never conceive, I had the surgery. That was after years and years of constant heavy bleeding that reached the point that I was constantly having a period and anemic.
I don't think you're being unreasonable - it's your doctor. While I don't like it that too many docs seem to think removing a woman's reproductive is no big deal, your doc appears to lean too far the other direction. The way I see it, when you're past childbearing years and your equipment interferes in every day of your life, get it out. At least get a second opinion. You'll either have the surgery or put your mind at ease. :-)
I don't think you're being unreasonable - it's your doctor. While I don't like it that too many docs seem to think removing a woman's reproductive is no big deal, your doc appears to lean too far the other direction. The way I see it, when you're past childbearing years and your equipment interferes in every day of your life, get it out. At least get a second opinion. You'll either have the surgery or put your mind at ease. :-)
Thanks for answering. I have been on a merry-go-round but my latest hormone tests show that I am far from menopause, he said to expect more periods. I haven't had one in two months. I became alarmed when he told me he has one patient who is 61 and still gets her periods.
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