[alp94]

Hello, I have been enduring on-going painful/irregular menstrual issues for most of my adult life. I am 51 -currently enrolled in college-and have been on hormones to reduce/control the heavy flow until I either have a full hysterectomy or reach menopause. My issue is the growth of Intramural fibroids. Out of my family of 4 females and mother, I am the only lucky one-NOT- who has to deal with painful back pain, heavy menstrual, swelling /enlarged abdomen, etc...I made the choice NOT to have the total hysterectomy due to previous neck fusion -8 titanium screws and X-tra long titanium plate- I did not have a quick recovery and missed a couple of semesters from college. Anyway, I am pondering whether to go ahead with the hysterectomy or wait it out/ I am close to graduating with a couple of semesters to go but how will I know when my body decides to stop my menstrual cycle?!!! ughhhh

[possum220]

How will you go? That is the 20 million dollar question so many women would like answered.

It would be nice to graduate and just have things done in the right order. The lower pain is horrid. Have you tried tranexamic acid for the heavy bleeding? Maybe time to check in with your gynae and see what they say?

[*Laurie*]

I'm sorry, your physical situation sounds very difficult. As for knowing when you hit menopause....for me I think I was in perimenopause for several years. Then I started having hot flashes, which are truly bizarre and even rather frightening. A few months after that I just stopped having periods. But, the creepy hot flashes have continued, although I'm experiencing them much, much less than I used to (stopped periods 2 years ago).

I also have fibroids and have had a couple of bouts of post-menopausal bleeding, which is scary. Last time my biopsy was normal. I have an appointment with my gyn next week & will probably have another uterine biopsy.

I wish the doc would just give me a hysterectomy, but he insists that hysterectomies can be detrimental to cardiac health.
*sigh*

[alp94]

Originally Posted by possum220

How will you go? That is the 20 million dollar question so many women would like answered.

It would be nice to graduate and just have things done in the right order. The lower pain is horrid. Have you tried tranexamic acid for the heavy bleeding? Maybe time to check in with your gynae and see what they say?

Yes, I plan to graduate first. I have not tried tranexamic acid just the good ol hormonal pills for now. I just got a reminder from my OBGYN in the mail for my yearly check-up! yea...fun

[alp94]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

I'm sorry, your physical situation sounds very difficult. As for knowing when you hit menopause....for me I think I was in perimenopause for several years. Then I started having hot flashes, which are truly bizarre and even rather frightening. A few months after that I just stopped having periods. But, the creepy hot flashes have continued, although I'm experiencing them much, much less than I used to (stopped periods 2 years ago).

I also have fibroids and have had a couple of bouts of post-menopausal bleeding, which is scary. Last time my biopsy was normal. I have an appointment with my gyn next week & will probably have another uterine biopsy.

I wish the doc would just give me a hysterectomy, but he insists that hysterectomies can be detrimental to cardiac health.
*sigh*

Laurie, Because of having 4 c-sections, my OGBYN has been trying to get my to have a total hysterectomy which is too invasive while in college. The location of my fibroids are inside the uterine lining; therefore, it is the reason to be cut open through my c-sectional scar. My dr. insisted that was my only option to rid myself from the excruciating painful heavy periods due to oversize uterus and multiple fibroids. Wow, I was never informed that post-menopausal bleeding my occur. I was told that if I chose not to have hysterectomy, that eventually the fibroids would shrink and no more problems. Hope your next check-up goes well!

Sounds rough, alp94

[healingme4me]

Did your dr ever mention a D&C? Both my maternal gram and mom had those. They both had had fibroids with extensive bleeding and that was the first course of action for both of them. I haven't quite reached the ages where they had these experiences. And not to say that it must pass down mother to daughter. I do know my paternal gram had had a hysterectomy. At the same time, the story goes there was an undeveloped still born scenario with her. We're really only in an era of more openness where women's health is concerned and addressed.

I hear Lauries point about cardiac health and hysterectomy. I think I read it can also affect bone health.

Hoping you can find comfort soon.

Oh, I think menopause is averaging around/after 50-ish.

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by alp94

Laurie, Because of having 4 c-sections, my OGBYN has been trying to get my to have a total hysterectomy which is too invasive while in college. The location of my fibroids are inside the uterine lining; therefore, it is the reason to be cut open through my c-sectional scar. My dr. insisted that was my only option to rid myself from the excruciating painful heavy periods due to oversize uterus and multiple fibroids. Wow, I was never informed that post-menopausal bleeding my occur. I was told that if I chose not to have hysterectomy, that eventually the fibroids would shrink and no more problems. Hope your next check-up goes well!

I've had 2 c-secs and maybe I'm wrong, but I suspect c-secs have an effect on having later uterine issues, like fibroids.

I was told 15 years ago that "fibroids shrink". Well, mine didn't.

Post-menopausal bleeding should not happen; it isn't a normal occurrence. It indicates that there are uterine fibroids, uterine thickening, and the possibility of cancerous cells within the uterus.

[alp94]

Originally Posted by healingme4me

Did your dr ever mention a D&C? Both my maternal gram and mom had those. They both had had fibroids with extensive bleeding and that was the first course of action for both of them. I haven't quite reached the ages where they had these experiences. And not to say that it must pass down mother to daughter. I do know my paternal gram had had a hysterectomy. At the same time, the story goes there was an undeveloped still born scenario with her. We're really only in an era of more openness where women's health is concerned and addressed.

I hear Lauries point about cardiac health and hysterectomy. I think I read it can also affect bone health.

Hoping you can find comfort soon.

Oh, I think menopause is averaging around/after 50-ish.

Yes, It was suggested by my OBGYN that a possible D&/C could be done. But I was discouraged to act upon that since it was not 100% accurate in my situation. I heard that too about cardiac health and bone health...
It's somewhat comforting to be able to discuss these private issues with women who have been through it and are going through it...I am not alone!
I will need to search for a second professional opinion concerning whether to have a total hysterectomy or wait it out...I am 51 but still on the "pill" to control the symptoms.
I am noticing mood swings and waking up a lot at night hot/sweating. My legs have been hurting too.
But I keep moving forward with my college courses and learn to laugh at myself in class.

[possum220]

Always good to get a second professional opinion.