I'm 65 years old and still bleeding occasionally. Anyone else in my age group still bleeding?
Posted , 38 users are following.
I have seen at least 3 different doctors. General Practice, Naturopath and OB-GYN's; but no one will say if I am in menopause. They only stress that a woman my age should not be bleeding. I've had pap smears (normal); ultrasound (normal); transvaginal ultrasound (normal) and an endometrial biopsy last year. One of the OB-GYN's looked me in my face and told me that the test results came back and I had cancer.
I looked at him and told him I did not. He was livid at my suggestion that he could be wrong. He had already scheduled an appointment for me with an Oncologoist for a consultation which angered me even more, because he did not have a right to assume I would be agreeable to this. He finally said, the definitive diagnosis would come from UCLA. I waited and when it came, I DID NOT have cancer. I respect the profession; but they will not dictate how my life will be lived nor what I will believe about my own health. I wasn't in denial. I just knew that my body had no cancer. When things are wrong, we as women really know it...and we will seek the help and hopefully, the right advice. I really hope to hear from others if you are in my age group or older and are still bleeding. The doctors have been taught to assume that this is not normal; therefore, it must be cancer.
3 likes, 110 replies
edna29227 Sesha777
Posted
Hi Sesha,
Im 57 and just starting menopause. When I first went to a Gynae here in Singapore I was told I should see an oncologist because of the dark mass found in my uterus. Oncologist said the same. They wanted to do total hysterectomy, but I went for 2nd & 3rd opinion. Turned out the mass was a sponge like blood and gradually disappeared. So I agree with you, we know our bodies and we should go with what we feel.
I havent had my flow for 10 months now. I have all the symptoms listed.
ann19422 Sesha777
Posted
I am 64 years old this July. I have not had a period for over a year until this week. It is very heavy and very red!I just hope its not going to become a monthly occurance. I have had enough.
sharlene51432 ann19422
Posted
I wish I could go a year without....but I still occasionally bleed and at least once a month a few days of what seems like a normal period... I will be 65 in September... I started the change when I was around 46 and I have been told it can take up to 20 years to completely go through the change....my grandmother had her period into her mid 60's...like you I will be glad when this quits enough is enough...but I also tread what comes with the change, heart problems etc....so I am not really complaining about still experiencing this...
louellen39047 ann19422
Posted
ann19422...have you considered that perhaps, your estrogen levels are still up enough to build up a lining but, your progesterone is low? Have you also considered the possibility that perhaps, your lining is simply "falling under its own weight now"?
The reason that I ask those questions are because that's what's been proposed to me at nearly 62 years of age where I have NO pattern of bleeding anymore and simply keep bleeding.
I'm wondering whether seeing a "Bio-Identical specialist" or clinic where they will do a full blood panel on all of your hormones might net them answers as to what is going on with you and why your hormones *may* be misbalanced to have such a bleed? It may be that you're simply going through perimenopause but, getting your hormone levels checked and the proper balance restored through creams, vaginal suppositories or pills might be of benefit to you? (I am thinking the same thing for myself so, don't think that I'm giving you advice that I am not thinking of doing for myself since I also cannot take this constant bleeding at this age
)
Through frustration, my gynaecologist has suggested a hysterectomy...something we've been avoiding and yet, she can find nothing of any real issue that requires this to be done. It IS considered "major surgery" and I don't want to do that but, like you...I have had enough as well. (And, yes, I know that there can be complications during and afterwards so, it's time for me to get a 4th opinion now too).
Maybe, it is all hormonal and you'll need some sort of hormonal adjustments? I think that's what I need since all of the testings have shown nothing but an overgrown endometrial lining and my FSH keeps coming back as "perimenopausal" and NOT menopausal. Hmmmm...just thinking out loud. Give us your thoughts and let us know how you're doing. Sending you best wishes!
Bassilli louellen39047
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marie43906 Bassilli
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louellen39047 Bassilli
Posted
Yes, it has been heavy! I've had my blood checked for anemia and it's not there but, the continuous spotting to HEAVY bleeding will likely cause it to become so eventually. I'm now taking a multivitamin with IRON in it to hopefully, prevent it as well as eating Iron rich foods.
The "heaviness" of the bleeding, I've been told, is the fact that during Perimenopause, we are considered "Estrogen Dominant" because while both levels drop (estrogen and progesterone) the estrogen either doesn't drop at the same rate as the progesterone OR, the estrogen gets higher in levels. Both ways, it builds up the lining and causes us to bleed heavier whether that be through a regular period (which I no longer seem to get...regular bleeding patterns that is...just constant spotting to flows with clots...sometimes larger clots like the size of a silver dollar or more).
louellen39047 Bassilli
Posted
And, I meant to add to that response above...or the lining to "fall under its own weight" as my ob/gyn has told me it likely was.
Bassilli...have you had an endometrial biopsy done? I was wondering (I've had at least 6 of them now). I love my gynaecologist BUT...the office is horrible. I can't even get my own records or the phone answered by anyone no matter when I call. I keep leaving messages but, get no answer (no...they are not on vacation). I've been trying since April to get through.
. I need a new office to go to with another good doc who will have someone answer the phone. 
.
Bassilli louellen39047
Posted
ann19422 Sesha777
Posted
louellen39047 ann19422
Posted
ann19422....if this were me, because it's been over a year, though it's likely just hormonal fluctuations and nothing at all to be concerned about...if it happens again...even brown on wiping or on a liner/pad...I'd go to your family doc and at the least, get an ultrasound done to see the thickness of your lining and see whether this is just hormonal or not.
cat35442 Sesha777
Posted
Hi, THANK YOU for making this post!!!!
I stopped completely bleeding in my early 50's, then out of the blue I started spotting for a day or two. I was horrified so I went to the emergency (hospital). They gave me a vaginal ultra sound and said there was no sign of anything, and that some women have vaginal lining shedding which is what the spotting is about. After that episode I haven't had spotting for a couple years. Now, two to three years later at 63 years old, I'm spotting for a day or two every six months! This time my doctor sent me to a OBGYN, which she tried to do a pap smear and a biopsy to no avail.... my cervix is way to small/tight (boy did that hurt)!!!! So back to my doctor I go. She now sends me to a women's clinic where they do vaginal/pelvic ultra sounds. Once again nothing abnormal......every this is normal for my age, but one small fibroid.
I'm going to talk with my doctor about having my thyroid checked. The cervix biopsy is out of the question unless they knock me out!!!
When I'm having these spotting episodes.....I do get tiny cramps.....and my boobs do get bigger......like I did when I was having a normal cycle.
I feel great. I haven't noticed anything un usual other then the spotting every so often. I feel like I'm still having phantom mens cycles......
If anyone has info please share. Thank you~
louellen39047 cat35442
Posted
Hi cat35442:
Have you been stressed more than usual lately? That can sometimes cause a hormonal "storm" or, it could be that you're getting bleeding from your vaginal walls or uterine walls being TOO thin and "cracking". Do you find dryness an issue down there? If so, try some "Replens" (OTC). It moisturizes the walls though you may need something stronger but, try the Replens first. Worked for a friend of mine.
Since you've had the ultrasounds and nothing was found to be of concern (they were likely looking for thickness etc.), it's likely something "normal". Having said that though...I would ask the clinic where you go about this being an issue or not because while we all think the worst, it could be solvable with an easy remedy or, they might want to do a sampling of the lining (just to be sure and diagnose whether your lining is too thin). Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Best of wishes! HUGS
Guest Sesha777
Posted
I simply don't believe your story.
louellen39047 Guest
Posted
Cheryl tre86422....just purely out of curiosity....what is it that you "don't believe" about Sesha's story?