Do you think it's likely I have a serious problem if no pain?(female issue)

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

First let me say I am calling the OB/GYN first thing to make an appt. for my yearly visit.  It's been 2 or 3 years but I'm problem-free in that area every year so I let it slide this year.

I got all worked up by Googling (I know, I know) and stayed up late last night worrying about stuff as serious as uterine cancer.   I would not post here except that I realized maybe I was going overboard and getting in a health anxiety situation, fearing the worst and starting to think everything I read fit my symptoms, starting to believe, "That's it - that must be what I have, what if they can't help me and I die from it"  (know the feeling?)  When these were things I never even though until yesterday would apply to me.  To make it short:

1.  I don't mind exams but don't want biopsies unless it's no worse than a pap smear
2. Ultrasounds are OK but I'm afraid I'll be ordered to get one and it will include the "probe" that my friend had to have - I'm not crazy about a technician sticking a wand up there for a study
3.  I'm afraid of surgery, biopsies, every kind of painful procedure, afraid of general anesthesia.  You see, I put off going to the doctor first because I had no problems and then because of fear of all of the above, and I figured that not "looking for trouble" was a good idea.

First, I'm 43 so I realize it's typical to start working toward menopause so what I'm mentioning might be "expected," but I am afraid it's something that needs taking care of, and of course the worst would be hysterectomy and/or cancer.

Problems, to sum them up:  For a few years now, heavy periods about 26 days apart, maybe 22 sometimes, but only heavy for the second day of a clockwork-normal 5-day period.  Really heavy, though (not what they say about soaking a pad every hour, but every couple hours - although I realized I was maybe using thinner pads than I should - but still, with double protection being almost unable to manage an outing for two hours - but again, that would be only on the heaviest day.  All other days manageable and normal enough.  I figured this was from getting older and maybe I've gotten something common like fibroids, or maybe whacked-out hormones or something.  I have to admit at least once I was afraid it was a semi-hemorrhage situation.  But this type of bleeding would subside after about half a day and then become within the realm of normal, even if heavy for the rest of the day and next day.  Definitely not the "2-4 tablespoons during whole period" that they say - does anyone really have that???

OK, so then after January of this year,  a change as such:  period not on time, sometimes 5-6 weeks apart instead of the usual 26 days.  And to confound matters, a LIGHT period that doesn't completely go away for 10 days.  And then once, another period after only 18 days.  This time, right on time, but with the 10-day-bleed, and light enough that I'd call it minimal.  Definitely an about-face, definitely not normal.  Thus I am going to the doctor.

I got all worried reading about "dysfunctional uterine bleeding" and about having to get the whole uterine lining out via surgery, about overgrown endometrium, etc.,  and I am not a doctor, so I'll let the dr. sort it out but I'm afraid of tests and surgery.  I'm hoping he'll say, "that's OK and normal, it's just hormones."  One POSSIBLE clue:  My husband is using Testim gel per Rx from his doctor and they say do not let female parters or children get near it or all havoc could be wreaked; a few increments raisd of testosterone is disastrous for women.  He is redoubling his efforts now to shower that stuff off every evening - it's on his shoulders but maybe I have accidentally been in contact with it.  More likely this is just about me and getting older but...

I thought and hoped that serious female problems would be accompanied by things like pain and spotting between periods, and I have not had that.  Thanks if anyone has any reassurance or information.  I've almost never had a menstrual cramp in my life so I hope that's a good sign but I realize it might not be.  I'm afraid I've gained a little weight which could be a risk factor but by the charts I am not overweight - 5'10" and 155 lbs.

[sabrina]

I'm not completely knowledgeable about how menopause works.. but I always thought your periods got out of whack when you started approaching that point.. so maybe that's all it is?

[Paticake35]

This sure sounds like menopause to me. I've been through it and this is exactly what happens. My guess is the gyn. will have you do a saliva or blood test to gauge your hormone levels.

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

Thank you for reading that very long post.  I only wanted to be thorough so people could answer with all the info. at hand.

I thought I was a little young for that.  My mother said she had normal periods, then one heavy one and that was it.  Everyone's different, though.  I guess I'm mostly concerned about the very heavy periods - and I mean at one point I almost panicked (LOL - for those prone to panic attack that doesn't sound impressive) because I thought maybe I should go to the hospital.  Oh yes... but taking just ONE Advil would turn that off just like a faucet.  Which makes me think there might possibly be a fibroid or something bleeding out, since an anti-inflammatory would stop it almost completely till the Advil wore off, then back to the same flow.

But then to go to the other extreme... I used to have messed-up cycles before having kids, too, and somewhat in between.  I guess I'll see what the Dr. says.

I forgot to say that around the time this really changed (I said winter but it was spring) my brother died suddenly, just in March, so that's only been three months ago.  So there was a lot of stress, to say the least.

[sixpack]

Earlier this year I started worrying about such things.  And I had just gotten my clean bill of health 3wks prior.  I started having 'dysfunctional uterine bleeding'.  I'm 45.  After my period ended, 2-3 days, bleeding again.  That is unusual for me.  So, even though, I'd just been to the doctor, I went in again.  She did the uterine biopsy, noted the blood in my uterus, did a urinalysis (because of bladder pressure I was having), and she did an US (just being cautious).  All of the tests came back normal.  My uterus is slightly enlarged.  This is due to my having birthed a number of big kids .  since that cycle, I think Mar, could be April, I've had a bit of spotting a couple of days passed my period.  I've got to conclude that it is hormonally based.

You are 43.  You could be entering perimenopause.   You could be experiencing this from hubby's meds, although I doubt it.   This could also be happening because of the stress from your brothers death.  I'm so sorry. 

1.  I don't mind exams but don't want biopsies unless it's no worse than a pap smear.

Biopsies take about a minute or so.  They are a bit more uncomfortable than a pap smear.  You will feel a brief cramp.  The doctor will also measure the size of your uterus during this time. You will likely have a bit of bleeding afterward for a couple of days.

2. Ultrasounds are OK but I'm afraid I'll be ordered to get one and it will include the "probe" that my friend had to have - I'm not crazy about a technician sticking a wand up there for a study 

Honestly I've had numerous vaginal Ultrasounds.  The wand looks huge but only the tip goes in and it really is not painful.  I've had vag US for early pregnancy and earlier this year when I had dysfunctional uterine bleeding. However I wanted the US because I was afraid of ovarian cancer.

3.  I'm afraid of surgery, biopsies, every kind of painful procedure, afraid of general anesthesia.  You see, I put off going to the doctor first because I had no problems and then because of fear of all of the above, and I figured that not "looking for trouble" was a good idea. 

Going for annual exams is always a good idea.  If issues are caught early, and I do all of my recommended annual stuff, things can be solved without much hoopla

My suggestion is to stop the googling.  And go to the doctor.  If the doctor believes a uterine biopsy is in order, then have it done.  Same goes for the US.  Doc is likely to order bloodwork to look at your hormone levels.  My guess is that you are in perimenopause.  Anyway you look at it, you'll feel a lot better having seen the doctor.   

[Paticake35]

I strated perimenopause at 43 and was done with everything by 47, so it wouldn't be totally out of the question!

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

Thanks for all of your replies.

I looked up menopause and perimenopause symptoms and the thing is I don't have any of the symptoms mentioned like: hot flashes, insomnia, low sex drive, dryness, urinary problems, moodiness, tiredness.

Also, I looked at the calendar and I see I've had 7 periods in 7 months so for all my complaining, maybe I'm worrying prematurely.  I was more worried about the heavy bleeding and then lighter bleeding.  I'm worried that it's fibroids or hyperplasia or even cancer, but (hopefully none of you have experience with uterine cancer) I thought that would include bleeding at times other than a period.  I guess that's the whole crux of my worry.  My doctor is a super-nice and reassuring guy, although I'm sure he's thorough about finding problems when there really is one because he's a busy guy and oftentimes in surgery (I've stopped by just to say hi when taking my doctor to the eye doctor in the same building.)  Sixpack, I have a daughter with a significant disability, too.

Last clue:  I have not read once about acne being associated with menopause and I've had painful, intractable cystic acne more this year (un-poppable, deep-seated hard cysts), around the jawline/ear/neck area and I'm pretty sure this is due to androgens, thus my suspicion about the Testim gel since his dose was doubled around the first of the year.  In addition, I've always made plenty of my own androgens and have a long history of back/chest/jawline acne.  Thanks for listening to my rambles.

[sixpack]

I looked up menopause and perimenopause symptoms and the thing is I don't have any of the symptoms mentioned like: hot flashes, insomnia, low sex drive, dryness, urinary problems, moodiness, tiredness.

I don't have any of those issues either.  However you could still be having some changes in your hormones.  As I believe my 'extra' bleeding' is caused by those fluctuations.  My mom's menopause went like this---had a period at age 50.  Then stopped.  None of those hot flashes etc.  Everybody is different. 

Last clue:  I have not read once about acne being associated with menopause and I've had painful, intractable cystic acne more this year (un-poppable, deep-seated hard cysts), around the jawline/ear/neck area and I'm pretty sure this is due to androgens, thus my suspicion about the Testim gel since his dose was doubled around the first of the year.  In addition, I've always made plenty of my own androgens and have a long history of back/chest/jawline acne.  Thanks for listening to my rambles

I don't know if menopause could cause acne???  I do know that hormonal issues can.  Just think about all of those kids with pimples galore during puberty.  So it is a possiblity still.

Again talk to the doctor about the gel.    I'm quite certain when there is a problem with lady issues a gyno will easily find those problems.  I mean that's what this doctor does day in and day out.

Sixpack, I have a daughter with a significant disability, too.

I'm sorry to hear that.  It's really tough being a mom to a child with disabilities.  You want to fix the problems when often times you just can't.
 

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

I guess I put the cancer scare out of my mind but now it's a real bummer thinking of menopause; I really didn't think I was getting that old.

I have tried to put this out of my mind, but since my brother died, only at the end of March, I was having problems for a while of being unable to sleep properly and even having a feeling of breath catching in my throat, like I couldn't take a full breath.  I'm sure that was a grief and anxiety symptom.  I was so tense I could not relax physically, so I found what I thought was a solution.

I have never been a drinker, honestly, other than the occasional beer, but I purposely started a new routine of drinking a large dark beer every night because I read it is good for health and it was like taking a xanax or something, but more "natural."  I've been doing that every night up till now and I'm such a lightweight that I have to almost stagger down the hall to use the bathroom after one of those, then go to sleep in a dizzy daze.  I read that alcohol on a regular basis can disrupt the cycles.  I'm still having periods at approximately the right interval but it's like light bleeding every day for up to 10 days, which is not usual for me.  I'm going to knock off the alcohol because I started that routine at the exact same time as this problem cropped up.  At least I am not overstressed or tense anymore since a little time has gone by.

[sixpack]

alcoholic drinks can certainly help you go to sleep initially, but you end up with worse sleep.  You don't get into the right sleep rhythm and all that rot

My hubby went out to dinner for our 18th last week.  I had a cosmo before the meal and a glass of merlot with dinner.  I got home and laid in bed and was out like a light.  I slept well for about 2-3hrs then the fitful sleep started.  I also go up with drrrrrrry mouth and stuffed up head. 

So it was so nice when the drinks went down but I had very sucky sleep that night.

[abeer26]

Good Morning,

I work at OBGYN and what you are talking about is EXACTLY - menopause/fibroid related. It wont be known until a simple blood test confirms your levels. I wouldnt worry to much about it although it is easier said than done and I know that for a fact. I hope you get in to see your doc!... I know that we get alot of women with these wacky periods and it turns out to be just  them getting older and going through the changes. Sometimes I wish doctors wouldnt put a number on something like at age so and so you start menopause because reallly truly, it can occur anytime.

Be well....

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

Wow, you guys are scaring me now, seriously.

I did make an appt. with the doctor.  My best friend had identical symptoms and had to go through an exam (with the wand-thing I mentioned, she didn't want to go through with it but she did anyway) and the result was:  she does not have fibroids but was told  that the bleeding is normal for age.

My doctor also told me it is normal for age the last time I was there described it, in conjunction with an exam too.  Good thing I'm going in again, I guess.

I am more upset than when I started now, since after the above comment I had to go read about fibroids and read the worst case scenario.  I might not even have fibroids and now I'm about to faint after reading what could happen.

No offense to any of you, please, since I know you mean completely well, but I feel worse now.  I guess the whole point is that health anxiety makes us think of and read about diagnoses  (when really, I've had 7 periods in 7 months, some a little different than others and my doctor said that's fine, last time I saw him) and now I've got diagnoses to read up on and worry about.  Sometimes I think up diagnoses on my own and read all about them and I find out only later that they were not relevant to me at all and I wasted my time and caused anxiety reading about them.  I should have not come to this board about this problem.  (sigh, thanks for trying to help, though)

[sixpack]

I just pm'd you.

[abeer26]

well that felt a little like a slap.

sorry.
 

[CoolCalmAndCollected]

   not sure if that was directed to me.  Like I said, I appreciate any and all help.

GREAT NEWS  

Went to the Dr. today and he and I had a good laugh when I said my husband is about to cut my internet connection.  He laughed at me (not in an offensive way, he's the nicest man in the world) when I said I had gotten online reading everyone's cancer story and when I read to him the laundry list of  menopause, fibroids, polyps, etc.  He said it was NONE of the above.  Except polyps could only be detected through u/s which he would order if a problem continues.

He was sure it was just normal hormonal upset possibly due to stress (my brother died unexpectedly 3 months ago).  He was very sympathetic.  Actually he was thoroughly unimpressed by my problem and didn't think it was any sort of emergency or anything that wouldn't work itself out anyway.   He was polite in listening to all of my observations and questions but obviously didn't find the observations very relevant and he put all my fears to rest.  He did put me on a 5-day course of provera as a "reset" (I had that once before a long time ago.)  Then I go back for a regular exam in three weeks.

But he said everything seemed healthy and completely normal.

I just STARTED to think... "but what if the doctor was wrong..." and I made myself STOP that, because that is really health anxiety in classic form, right?  I'm so relieved!!!!  One doctor visit could have saved me 500 hours of anxious "googling."

[countrygirl]

Hi I am 48 yrs old and for past 2 years have been in hormonal havoc causing the dysfunctional uterine bleeding. I can go 5 months without periods then I will get a constant period varying day to day on bleeding from very slight to a few hours of real flooding for 3-4 months and sometimes I only get a couple of weeks if I am lucky before it all starts again for another 3 months. I have recently once again had all the tests - camera in womb with biopsy and ultrasound and even mri of abdomen/pelvic and everything is fine.

I am just fast approaching the menopause but how long will it take.
I am about to try natural progesterone cream as I don't want to have synthetic hormone coil or hrt and am trying to hold on and not have a full hysterectomy which would solve everything but is a big operation.

I am thoroughly fed up I have to say and when the bleeding has been going on daily for months I am very tempted to say I will have a hysterectomy so I am hoping that this natural prog cream will stop the bleeding and I don't get too many nasty side effects

wish me luck