Scan Anxiety - wonky periods, ultrasound fear

Women's health
1

Hi - I am 45 and in January of this year I had a period that spotted at the end for over a week, hormone testing showed menopause, blood test six weeks later showed normal FSH levels.  So deduced the spotting was perimenopause.  I have had regular periods all year but they are different, sometimes heavy, sometimes spotting a lot before or after.  They just don't 'flow' the same. Cycle lengths also vary, from my previous normal of 25/26 to 21, 37, 24, 25 and a couple that were only 17/18 days apart. 

After the last short gap and a heavier flow, I got a bit worried and went to the GP to tell her, she said it is typical of perimenopause to see this pattern but also useful to check there aren't any structural reasons for irregular bleeding and to have a transvaginal ultrasound. I have this coming up this week.

I was fine about it until today and now I am a nervous wreck, worried out of my mind what they will find and just feel so vulnerable about the scan itself.

I am no good at gynae things, I have not had children and the whole thing brings up feelings of naievity and a sense 'there is something wrong with me'.  I know this is irrational because at the end of the day the Dr is just checking that perimenopause hormonal stuff is the cause and I should be relieved if it is and that will help but...........I can't stop worrying.

I have only had a transvaginal exam once, about 15 years ago, it wasn't pleasant, only because I was scared when the personal scanning told me she couldn't find an ovary, then she did, that they were healthy but I had a mass on my uterus which was a fibroid.  At the time I didn't know what that was all about and she wouldn't tell me - the DR then explained a week later that it was on the outside and nothing to worry about.  I have also had two burst ovarian cysts in my life and a cervical polyp which was removed a couple of years ago.

Basically anything unknown scares me and language and procedures that I feel I should understand, but I don't.  I have been reading about the higher chance of uterine cancer, ovarian cancer etc after mid 40's and scared myself wondering if the bleeding can be any of these and imagining that the scan will reveal 'bad' news and what will come next.  Basically I feel out of control with all the unknowns and am sure I am over anxious as the majority of scans don't reveal serious things.

The Dr mentioned the possibility of uterine polyps or fibroids, the first might need removing and the second they would leave as they tend to shrink after menopause.

Seriously, I need some logical thoughts to hold onto here, I am just terrified of bad news and the person saying or looking a certain way during the scan and either saying something or me thinking the worst etc.

I have had several traumatic events in my life where I thought all was well and it turned out not to be - not with me, but my family and realise that this has left a mark on me, thinking that this is generally what happens.  Bad news comes out of the blue when you think all is well and 'normal'.

Honestly the thought of the whole thing feels so alien to me, I am ready to avoid doing it - which I won't.  Can someone share with me how routine this is and perhaps if my bleeding pattern is anything to worry about because I really didn't think it was. It is still sort of cyclical but definately different.

Feeling so scared and also stupid.  How can I be a grown woman with these irrational fears

2

Basically my periods freak me out these days as I don't know what normal is anymore - they sometimes gush but are not really heavy, the blood is thinner almost and then they stop sometimes and start again a day later.  Then there is the spotting, but it's never inbetween bleeds as it were.

This is all a nightmare - the Dr did understand the anxiety associated with not knowing what was normal or not.  I guess things need to be checked to decide!  I so hope this is all over soon, it's causing havoc with stress.

3

Hi beetle I have been through this also. I am now 55 and have also been through this. Hopefully you can control this. Try not to worry hun I am sure it will stop soon😊xxx

4

You poor thing. I hate these gone issues too and I have had 2 children. The period changes are normal for peri menopause including both spotting and very heavy periods. I suffered for years! with very heavy periods, a definite handicap when a teacher. Eventually I went to the doctor and was given some tablets to help with the heavy flow. It was magical and sorted this for me. I had not realised there was medical help. My mum had had a hysterectomy because of this and I was trying to avoid that. Things have obviously moved on.

you are being brave by going for medical advise and investigation. Keep it up. You will be relieved in the end.

5

Hi Beetle

What you have described hear is just how i was before i hit proper menapause so dont worry. as for the  transvaginal exam well ive had two of these, granted i have had kids, you do not say if you are in a relationship or not, but say you have had one of these before, so next time should be easier, i found this just uncomfortable but not painfull in anyway and its soon over so just relax. Your doctor is just being thorough to rule out anything else which im 99% sure wont be anything except what doctor has already told you perimenapause.  

Only natural to feel scared but your not in anyway stupid at all. Being a grown woman brings with it  the changes both phsyically and emotionally dont forget. I think what we have to contend with we allowed to feel  anxious and concerned, sure your be ok. let us know how it all goes

Sue 

6

I have no advice for you as I am going thru similar to you without the investigations but I have had four children and all the exams etc that come with pregnancy and childbirth. 

The reason I decided to respond is you seem so scared and stressed about it all, I wanted to offer you support and send you ((hugs)). Everyone here seems so helpful and caring, you are not alone, please keep us updated and if you just need to chat let me know smile

7

Well first of all try not to worry these things are routine tests and your doctor is only probably sending you there to put your mind at rest.

Yeah the periods do start doing strange things. From my early 40 mine became very light compared to what they were and went from always 7 sometimes 8 days to 5 and sometimes only 4.

At this time I also went from tampons to towels as there was often so little flow that removing tampons became a tug of war.

Then at about 47 ish maybe 48 I began to miss one here and there and the one after the miss would be heavier. Mine were not too bad for being at the right time eg. If I missed one the next came when expected.

The months I missed I also got really hot the week they were due. My doctor did a blood test and said I was in peri.

Then between age 50 to 51 I only had 3 or 4 periods. I had had none for six months after being 51 and was suffering some depression awful insomnia and feeling too hot all the time. I tried siberian ginseng. This started up my periods again I took it for about 4 months and although as I say my periods came back in a normal way it didn't help with the other symptoms at all. As soon asi stopped taking it my periods stopped and I didn't get another one.

I was just generally too hot with 2 or 3 proper hot flushes per day.

I got a lady magnate which worked well for the flushes and I think I felt maybe a little calmer but still with terrible insomnia.

I also didn't want sex. I had always thought never mind if I don't want it I will never turn my husband down.

Well how wrong was that? I didn't want to know, not only was the whole thing a chore but it was also so frustrating. With him trying to please me and me just wanting it over with. So sore and dry no matter how much lubrication we used.

I had wanted to do the menopause naturally but it was the lack of enjoyment of sex that saw me at the doctors. I'm so glad I did I have had much improved sex life. I am sleeping much better. A few niggle aches and pains have improved.

Hope this helps. Hope all is well with your investigations.

8

TVUS are honesty nothing to worry about, and I speak as one who really hates speculums going in, with the ultrasound it's just a tiny probe, no stretching or anything.  They can see a lot from this simple technique.  The symptoms you describe are text book perimenopuase and are caused by a drop in progesterone, the first hormone to dip.  Your Dr is just being cautious, you are lucky to have one so thorough.

9

Hi Beetle, I am JUST like you, I have extreme anxiety around anything related to medical tests I had a chest xray and I freaked out,. I am with you and I have had numerous people in my life that did have cancer and other things and my dog died, I have considered therapy because I know there are tests that will need ot be done and I worry about how I am going to get through it. I dont want to be like my mother, she just does not get any tests done due to anxiety she is 74 and will not go for any tests because she cant deal with the anxiety.

10

I used to be in teaching but work for myself now, I can't imagine dealing with all this on a timetable as it were. My GP mentioned the possibility of progesterone if the bleeding issues turn out to be hormonal.

11

Thank you for your understanding, these changes really are challenging.  Thinking back puberty was a pretty lonely time too - I didn't feel I could talk to my mum, so I didn't.  I am a private person, but I really have found writing here helps.

I am not in a relationship right now, which is another concern for the procedure.  Oh goodness, can't wait until it's done.

12

Thanks for your support, it's really good to remember I am not the only person in the world scared and feeling alone.  It can feel like that sometimes can't it?

13

Thank you - it does help to hear about other womens journey with things changing.  I am not sure I knew much about all this before - hot flashes and periods stopping was about it.

14

Thank you so much - I didn't mention that speculums are sometimes an issue for me, sometimes not.  Apparently I have a retroverted uterus and sometimes they cannot find the cervix!!  My GP did mention progesterone as a possibility if the scan shows no structural issues and therefore hormonal only.  I will feel so good if it's JUST hormones I have to deal with.  Fingers crossed that I am in the majority and that this is indeed the progesterone falling - I would not be surprised as I have had bereavements and other stresses in the last few years and I know that stress reduces progesterone - cortisol production needs it or something.  I suspect this is really what is going on.

I am one of those people that if I have an explanation, I feel better about things.  I am glad to be reminded that the ultrasound probe isn't like a speculum - thanks

15

I am totally with you on facing the fear of tests - I am tackling this now, because as you say I want to be comfortable with this for the future.  My mother never ever went to the doctor, she had no reason to really, saying that, she discovered very high blood pressure by chance, which did contribute to her death I think.  She had an brain bleed - out of nowhere.  I am actually having therapy at the moment which is related to the sudden death of both my parents and I guess with that comes challenging head on my fear of the unknown and also of actually investigating things to take care of myself.

It's a bit contradictory isn't it - I'm with you all the way in your desire to overcome this as much as possible.  I feel very similar - torn between running and actually facing things.

16

Believe me ive written about some very personal things on hear that i wouldnt even discuss with anyone else its helps knowing your thread is being read by other sufferers and between us we can help and advice each other. Im so shocked to have read about what some of us are going through, not enough is being done to help many if us, probably the only sort that would understand  is a doctor or gyno who had been through it all herself. Think they should have menopausal clincs mayb e they do if in other countrys but not hear in the UK.  Just relax take deep breaths, its not  to bad and thats coming form me who winces at anyone touching me in the way of examinations in that area. Id rather have that done than a smear test. 

 

17

Hi . I had to write to reassure you as I'm going through the exact same thing.

I was 47 this week and been having a couple of heavy periods with giant blood clots. The result of this was anaemia.

I was sent for a scan which showed thickening of the endometrium. The doc said I need a biopsy ( hysterocopy ) which I'm having done next week on December 21st.

Doc said they have to rule out endometrial cancer. Assuming it isn't ( fingers crossed ) I will be fitted with a Merina Coil.

ķ

I say this very matter of factly but believe me when she said the c word I went into total meltdown.

I like you have done lots of research ( and frightened myself to death) and now I've stopped.

I've resigned myself to the fact that

A. It's unlikely

B. In the unlikely event it's better to be found early.

There are lots of us out there in this position so it must be very common.

So please be reassured that you will be absolutely fine. I'm sure of it.

Take care and let us know how you get on. X❤

18

Hi Hun sorry to jump on your post but for the past few months a week before my period I have been bleeding light red blood stomach feels achy but not period pain type I had a swab taken and blood all okay. The bleeding started again today the same as last month and six to seven days later period starts properly. I'm a 40 year old with twins aged 17 so any ideads anyone x

19

Yes it can hun but you are not alone, you have us!

20

Update:  I had the ultrasound today and it was completely painless and the lady was very nice.  But I am in a bit of shock as she found multiple fibroids.  She can't confirm if this is what is causing me erratic cycles and will advise my GP to refer me to a gynaecologist who might want to do an MRI scan to map the fibroids and see better where they all are and whether they are in the lining etc which may account for uterus not being able to properly regulate the flow during my period (I think that's what she meant).

I wasn't expecting this news and feel a bit scared to be honest - I know they are common and benign but can't get it out of my head that she couldn't really see my ovaries or lining to check those. So in some ways I am no further forward but with an extra piece to the puzzle.

I completely hate the idea that my uterus is full of growths!!  Not just one, many.........I had one diagnosed 15 years ago on the outside of my uterus, I have had no children, so I guess a hormone imbalance has been ongoing or maybe just recently with perimenopause.  Either way it might make sense of occassional back/hip pain, bladder fullness and just a sense things are not right with my periods. 

A little confused and scared but really I think it's a good thing, just wish I could see a consultant tomorrow and now the options - there are many treatments listed on the NHS website but I don't know how big they are or whether it's ok to leave them..................feeling emotional.  At least the exam itself was fine and the lady couldn't have been nicer.