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[Rumbaba]

hi all

I am 61 and have been on HRT for 6 years.  As I am a poor absorber, I am on a very high does of oestrogen, which is monitored by blood tests. 

This week I have started bleeding, albeit lightly, and last night I had period type pains, which were bad enough to make me take to my bed. Obviously this has worried me a lot, imagining something terrible going on, so I emailed my menopause clinic.  The reply I received contained a link to a fact sheet, and some options that I could take, the cheapest of which was a 10 min phone consultation with my specialist for £100  . ( I could see my GP. but Ive just moved house and am between GPs).

Ive read a lot of the posts here, and I know its fairly common, especially if you have changed your regime, and I have upped my utrogestan from 100mg to 200mg nightly, advised by the clinic. But that was back at the beginning of November.  My boobs have been more tender since the, but I can live with that as a side effect, they are at least now more boob like.

Should I be worried?  Id really like to get a scan to check everything, and put my mind at rest.  I could just pay to get one done at ultrasound direct I suppose, or should I pay the £100 and get a consultation first? 

Thanks all

[Rumbaba]

Also, I have been getting odd pains in my labia/vulva, like something has just dug into me, has anyone experienced this?

[Violetta808]

Hello. I’m sure someone with more experience will be along to advise, but my suggestion is you get an emergency gp appointment, either with your old surgery, depending on how far away, or a new local one. Or if you phone 111 they will triage you and perhaps find you a GP? Post menopause bleeding (which this is, technically) is high priority and they will surely see you if you explain. (A 10 min phone consultation for £100 is daylight robbery! And unless they refer you for a scan they may just tell you to go and see your GP anyway). I’m currently in the middle of investigations for PMB myself and really can’t fault the NHS’s response.

[Penguin]

I would have thought an increase in utrogestan would cause less bleeding, rather than start it. Have you missed any doses at all? Someone women, if they miss a dose of hrt, can bleed due to the sudden drop in hormones?
I'd also suggest a GP appointment,  and defo wouldn't pay £100 for a 10 minute call, especially as they are likely to tell you to see your GP to get checked out anyway.

[Rumbaba]

hi all
Thanks for the replies, it is much appreciated.

Well, I tried to do an e-consult on Friday, but the site just said I would have to try on Monday, as it was closed until then :0(.  So I panicked and made the £100 appointment for tomorrow.  They have scanning facilities there too, so hopefully I will be able to get one.  I'm going to push for it, especially as the bleeding is getting heavier (but still not "heavy", just relatively heavier).

Penguin, I read the information leaflet in the utrogestan box, and it did say bleeding was a possible side effect.  I also listened to a you t*be discussion from a doctor from Newson's clinic, and she said the side effects were bloating, bleeding, the blues and breast tenderness.  So, I'm hoping its just  a benign side effect of the utrogestan, and nothing sinister.  I didnt miss any doses.


Violetta, I hope all goes well for you in your investigations, and you get a positive outcome

[Rumbaba]

Hi, just thought I'd update here.

So, after speaking to my Meno Dr, I booked in for a US and blood tests, which I ha yesterday.  Endometrium was dine 2.3mm. Sonographer couldn't find right ovary, and left ovary has a cyst of 14mm.  Ive had this cyst for quite a few years, but its grown from 8mm.  Sonographer did not seem concerned by thus though,.  I have to wait for the Dr to write to me with her interpretation too.  I'm still bleeding on and off.

In the telephone call, it was suggested that I could move to a Mirena.  I'm not keen on that idea, as when I had a coil fitted and removed, it was so painful I almost fainted.  However, I'm trying to work out if there are any benefits to it, other than the bleeding.  I mean is it better for you that the Utrogestan as it doesnt go through the liver?  I like the idea that I am more in control with Utrogestan, and I dont really get any side effects from it (apart from this pesky bleeding and cramps since I upped my does.

Oh, and of course, my mind wont give me any peace, so now I'm worrying that the bleeding is coming from the cervix, and I have cervical cancer!

thanks all

[Jules]

Has anybody examined you internally and checked your cervix?

[Rumbaba]

No, I havent been examined.  Im just trying to remember when my last smear was.  I only get offered every 5 years now

[Jules]

No, I havent been examined.  Im just trying to remember when my last smear was.  I only get offered every 5 years now

Only every 5 years? I don't get one at all now.