Hello. This is my first time posting here. I recently had a pelvic ultrasound for some irregular bleeding, itching and lower abdominal cramps. (The bleeding and itching occurred in December.) I have a follow-up with my regular gynecologist next week, but after speaking with a nurse in the office, I do know at this point that the ultrasound showed irregular thickening of the lining of the cervix & 2 fibroids. The fibroids I’m not too worried about yet because I know a bit about them, and I know they’re common and usually aren’t an issue, at least not right away. It’s the “irregular thickening of the cervix” that concerns me. My Googling hasn’t yielded any specific information. Now this may very will be due to perimenopause (I’m 42) or hell, maybe I’m actually going through menopause (I wouldn’t know yet as I’m on the Pill and would need the FSH test) earlier than my mother (she was in her 50s). But I’m worried it may be due to something worse. I’m trying not to freak out, but it’s difficult. Any folk out there have experience with this problem?
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Are you certain that the thickening was of the cervix? It sounds more like thickening of the lining of the uterus (also called endometrium), which is often implicated in abnormal vaginal bleeding and can be common during perimenopause.
pelvic ultrasound is typically the first step in evaluating irregular bleeding, and when thickened endometrium is found, an endometrial biopsy (also sometimes called uterine biopsy) is generally recommended to sample that tissue and ensure that a condition called hyperplasia isn’t taking place. hyperplasia is abnormal cell growth in that endometrium, and can be a risk factor for things like uterine precancers and cancers.
now, i’m not at all saying you have uterine cancer; my computer is far too old to diagnose such things. and also, you probably don’t have cancer. and i’m not a doctor. and so on.
but, that is the worst case scenario and with all things medicine, we rule out the worst first, and go from there.
good luck with your evaluation next week, and feel free to hit me up with questions if i can be of any help to you. navigating this type of situation can be daunting, and i have some experience speaking medical-gyn-ese.
I agree. Or it could be andemyosis.
Don’t fret
It’s probably a normal part of perimenopause and if not, there are ways to make that little problem go away *hug*.
Hm, I’ve heard of andemyosis, but I don’t have the main risk factors. Never had previous surgery, and I never gave birth to anybody. ;^)
Thanks for the good wishes.
Well..it’s good to get down to the problem anyway. I recently had a hysterectomy, I had an enlarged uterus with several varicose veins in the lining (Pelvic Congestive Syndrome?). Feels good to never have to worry about that area again
I’m sure biopsy will clear up the big questions and then from there you’ll get to decide your options.
Yikes, I never imagine varicose veins could form in the uterus, but considering I was told that’s basically what a hemorrhoid is, I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s good that your hysterectomy provided you with so much relief. I’m nervous about what will come next – I’m assuming my doctor will recommend a biopsy and give a recommendation for the fibroids. I’m trying not to think *too* far ahead to avoid panicking myself, but at the same time not knowing is just as frustrating! All normal feelings, I guess.
Thanks again.
I’m pretty certain that’s what the nurse said over the phone. Although I’ve been wondering if that was wrong myself. Because thickening of the endometrium would make more sense. especially since that’s what pops up when I hit up Google. Well, I guess either way I’ll find out soon enough. Thank you for the good wishes and offer of question-assistance. Like I said, not freaking out is a challenge.