Is my womb thickening cancer or related to starting HRT?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello

I hadn't had a period for 12 months in February and due to horrendous menopausal symptoms decided to start HRT (Angeliq).

Started bleeding lightly on and off about a month later which has carried on about two thirds of the time.

Had a pelvic ultrasound 3 weeks ago which shows that my womb lining is 8.3. Over 5 apparently means a referral to a gynaecologist for biopsy to test for womb cancer.

Have only just got the result from GP (as I have been on holiday) who has referred me for an emergency appointment but looks like the earliest I will be seen on the NHS is next Friday.

Trying to work out the likelihood of the thickening being due to the HRT, in which case I will worry less and just wait for the NHS appointment... going privately this week for hyperoscopy would cost me around £1500 - £2000, which I really don't have.

Any thoughts please?

Will another week make much difference?

Is there any evidence showing HRT can cause womb lining to thicken?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Wendy, it is Oestrogen that causes your womb to thicken, this is why you have to take Progesterone which counteracts that.   
    • Posted

      Thanks for taking the time to reply but can you explain a little bit more please. Not really understanding what you're saying in relation to what I'm asking.

      Menopausal brain!

  • Posted

    Hi Wendy, sorry to hear about what can be very distressing symptoms.

    First off, I know nothing about HRT so can't tell you about that.  However, when I bled after 14 months of no periods, I had a scan which showed my lining was 10mm so was sent off for hysteroscopy & biopsy. Results were that it was a hormonal surge causing the thickening and no signs of anything else wrong.

    I was absolutely terrified at the time and did hours of research into it all.  I don't think a week would make much difference, even if yours is cancer.  Cancer being the cause of post-menopausal bleeding and womb thickening is actually quite rare according to all the statistics.  And you are only at the 12 months stage so hardly post-meno at all so it can be your body adapting to hormonal changes.  

    My guess is that if they had seen anything they were at all worried about you would have had the biopsy by now - this is what happened to my cousin and all the appointments happen very quickly when there's something noticeable.  

    It's your decision of course but I thought I'd share my experience in case it helps.

    Good luck and please let us know how you get on.  Jane xx

    • Posted

      Thanks so much Jane. You obviously know how I'm feeling and your post really helps.

      Will keep you posted.

  • Posted

    Hi Wendy,

       My lining meausred 3mm fter meno, but after a year on HRT estradiol patches it was 12 mm.  I did the ultrasound, followed by a uterine biopsy.  Everything was fine, no cancer cells, just a thickened lining.  

      Try not to worry.  Just get the tests done and move on.  Estrogen thickens the uterine lining, and progesterone sluffs it off.  Sounds like you just need more progesterone to offset the effects of estrogen.  

  • Posted

    Hi Wendy, I have been taking HRT for 7 years now, Like you i had some spotting. My gp sent me to see my Gyneacologist for a scan, this showed my womb lining to be 8mm & a polyp.  I therefore  had a hysteroscopy & the polyp removed, all my results came back fine. I did have to stop my HRT 4 weeks prior to this as had to have aneasthetic. Iam now back on my HRT, Let me know how you go. Ido take both estragen & progesterone as i am postmenopause,

    • Posted

      Thanks Mars.

      I'm feeling much more positive about the whole thing and the latest I will be seen on NHS is Friday of next week. Feels OK to wait that long now.

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