Endometrial Cancer Worry - May be TMI for the men

[OhioL65]

Hello...I just turned 54 in August, and had my yearly visit with the gyn in January. At that time, I told her that my periods had been getting less regular (they were regular up until March of 2018). From March to Nov, they were sometimes normal, sometimes lighter, etc. So the dr drew blood to check my hormones. She called me a week later, and told me I was in the "menopausal range" - whatever that means. She said if I had any other bleeding to let her know, otherwise, we'd figure I was on my way to "official" menopause. Well, I got a regular period in June 2019. I just figured it was no big deal, part of that winding down process. So I didn't rush to call the dr to let her know. I finally called last week. She scheduled me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that my endometrial lining was very thick (12mm). So now I have to go next Tuesday for a biopsy, to see if I have endometrial cancer. I have been in a fog ever since she called me this morning to tell me. I had the ultrasound on Thursday morning...when I didn't hear from her Thursday, Friday or Monday, I figured it went well. I can't help thinking the worst. I have having health anxiety. I feel like I can't even function. And it'll be weeks before I get the results. I have two young daughters, still in school....I don't want to leave them.

 

[matisworried]

I'm really sorry that this is happening and the it's really triggering your anxiety. while i understand you suffer from health anxiety, i think it is completely normal to feel anxious in this situation.

with that being said, i think there's no reason to worry until there's a reason to worry... and right now, you are OK! i think it is a good sign that you haven't heard anything. ultrasounds tend to be read pretty quickly. if you're that anxious, just call your doc and ask if your results are in.

good luck!

 

[OhioL65]

Thank you, but I *did* hear from the doctor. This morning. She told me I needed the biopsy.

 

[matisworried]

sorry! i misread the last part. i still don't think there's any reason to worry until the doctor tells you too!

 

[Worry2much]

Was wondering how your biopsy turned out. I am going through some similar issues.

 

[OhioL65]

Was wondering how your biopsy turned out. I am going through some similar issues.

Just got the results today - haven't seen the actual report yet, but I dont think there's any cancer. Dr said there was nothing bad. Now on 12 days of progesterone pills to try to induce a period. Thank you for asking. Please keep in touch and let me know how your situation turns out!

 

[Worry2much]

I am so glad you had negative results. Makes me feel so much less anxiety for myself.
I am scheduled for an ultrasound on 11/26 and then see gyn after that for probably a biopsy. I have been on oral contraceptives for at least 10 years to regulate menses. I am 50 and decided to go off them and see where I am at with menopause. I had no menses for 5 months but then got it in Oct. I restarted Ocp and have been spotting off and on. Had my appt for yearly exam this week and NPwas concerned with my age and the bleeding so referred me. Both my grandmothers were diagnosed with uterine cancer in their 80s. My mom had hyperplasia in her mid 60s and decided to have a hyst. I am a total worrier and suffer from anxiety so this has sent me over the edge. I take low dose imipramine for IBS. Think I am going to need to take some Xanax to get me through this.

 

[OhioL65]

I get so irritated with drs focusing so much on our age! My doctor (a woman near my age!) Seemed flabbergasted that my biopsy showed proliferation of estrogen throughout. She's like, "but....you're 54!" I guess my uterus isn't done yet. This perimenopause is some stuff! Let me know how things are going!

 

[Jennie048]

I am also glad you received negative results and that helps me feel less anxious. I'm also 51 and still having monthly periods. 3 months ago my period spotted for a few days afterwards so went to gyn to get checked out and did ultrasound and find small 1 cm complex cyst on ovary and checked uterine lining then which was normal (7 mm). Luckily spotting stopped and last two cycles were normal. I went back this past Monday for another check and cyst is still there but doctor says not concerning - however she said my uterine lining is very thick (30 mm) and asked me where I am in my cycle - I told her my period is due in a few days if it starts on time as they are starting to occur later not the usual 26-28 day cycle. She wants me to come back in after period for another check to see how the lining is. Of course my mind is going crazy thinking I have uterine cancer but aside from thick lining have not had any pelvic pain or irregular bleeding. Just wanted you all to know that you are not alone.

 

[OhioL65]

Thank you for posting this! I hope it all turns out well for you! My dr has placed me on progestin for 12 days to try to bring on a period. We'll see how that goes. I have 5 days left! Best wishes to you! Let me know how it turns out!

 

[Worry2much]

Yes, thank you for posting your experience. Let us know how you are doing. The bad thing about this time for us is hormones are all over the place causing such weird changes to our normal. Anxiety and panic attacks are also normal to experience during perimenopause. My normal brain tells me this is to be expected for us but the anxiety part always goes to worry about what else could be wrong. I read a study that showed perimenopause women with heavy bleeding were at a very low risk for uterine cancer can’t remember the exact % but it was under 1. Perimenopause women with spotting was slightly increased but still only like 1.3%. Postmenopausal (12 months no periods) women with bleeding it was around 13%. So that does put my mind at ease that the majority is due to benign issues but I still get moments of panic. I also have been watching a lot of Menopause Taylor videos on YouTube. She is a retired GYN. I have learned a ton about perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement, the myths, the facts and weighing out the risks for yourself. Unbiased and she just gives you the facts.
P.S. the conclusion of the study was that for perimenopause the cost of extra testing and anxiety it causes may not be best until other treatments are used to control abnormal bleeding.
I am not saying we shouldn’t be checked out but something to keep in mind.

 

[Jennie048]

Yes, thank you for posting your experience. Let us know how you are doing. The bad thing about this time for us is hormones are all over the place causing such weird changes to our normal. Anxiety and panic attacks are also normal to experience during perimenopause. My normal brain tells me this is to be expected for us but the anxiety part always goes to worry about what else could be wrong. I read a study that showed perimenopause women with heavy bleeding were at a very low risk for uterine cancer can’t remember the exact % but it was under 1. Perimenopause women with spotting was slightly increased but still only like 1.3%. Postmenopausal (12 months no periods) women with bleeding it was around 13%. So that does put my mind at ease that the majority is due to benign issues but I still get moments of panic. I also have been watching a lot of Menopause Taylor videos on YouTube. She is a retired GYN. I have learned a ton about perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement, the myths, the facts and weighing out the risks for yourself. Unbiased and she just gives you the facts.
P.S. the conclusion of the study was that for perimenopause the cost of extra testing and anxiety it causes may not be best until other treatments are used to control abnormal bleeding.
I am not saying we shouldn’t be checked out but something to keep in mind.

Thank you for your response...reading statistics always helps me feel better. I will keep you all updated and please keep us all updated as well. I will also look up the Menopause videos as that seems good to watch. I also just recently joined a Facebook group for women going through perimenopause and menopause which is very helpful and comforting to read - just knowing that we are not alone helps.

 

[Anna70]

I am having bad anxiety and panic. Today, I went to the gynecologist for same issue as above And a pap smear. My period stopped in the Fall 2019 and I had one period in February 2021 and she said I need an ultrasound and maybe a biopsy. I am freaking out. I justo turned 51. Please help calm me down. TY

 

[Sweet T]

Oh my. This is me too! Just turned 56 and periods were regular until 4 months ago. Thought I was done. Now spotting. I’m freaked out. My mom had late menopause too. This is frightening. I’m unable to focus or concentrate.

 

[Iugrad91]

Menopause doesn’t just mean your periods stop and that’s it. They can become irregular, they can stop for a few months and start up again. Pretty much anything goes. Shorter, longer, heavier, lighter. Menopause is achieved with 12 months in a row without a period. Anything shorter than that and you start over again.