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Posted 5/18/2013 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, this isn't exactly a Lupus question, but maybe Lupus is part of the answer.

I have passed menopause, as defined by blood hormone tests as well as time since last period. Last indication otherwise was well over 1.5 yrs ago.

Last month I had severely sore nipples as well as some spotting, so I proceeded to my friendly gynecologist. They checked blood levels again, did a pap smear and a endometrial biopsy. Everything checked out just fine, so no explanation for the symptoms.

They did decide to check back in 3 months - I've had fibroids for a while without symptoms -- I guess they usually grow before menopause and shrink afterward, and they want to make sure they are shrinking by doing an ultra sound.

This month I've had more like my usual (but long past) periods...sore breasts, bloating, cramps, average bleeding.

So here are my questions:

Do I call my GYN in a panic?
Call my primary care Dr who Ive used for 20+ years?
Just wait for the ultrasound in July?
Have any of you had similar issues?

Prior to this, my menstrual cycle has not been affected by my Lupus (since 2002) - do you have issues with yours that you feel are related to Lupus?

I'd love to know your opinions & experiences.

Thanks
Lynnwood
Posted 5/18/2013 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
 

I would see my gyny ASAP.   This does not sound like a normal occurrence.  I would be concerned about something else happening.  You should not be bleeding like that if you are truly menopausal.   At 60, I passed the menopause threshold about 5 years ago.....but then I also had a hysterectomy at 27, so I started peri-menopause fairly young.  If I were in your shoes, I would get on the phone and make an appointment or at least talk to someone.  They might just say wait for three months.  I know myself, I would get pushy and not wait.   On another note, I do feel that some of my early problems with my female system were possibly related to Lupus, especially the number of miscarriages I had and subsequent bleeding issues that led to the hysterectomy.

Laura

Posted 5/18/2013 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I didn't make up post-menopausal, 2 Drs checked blood work & diagnosed it...
Posted 5/19/2013 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
 

For me, I just stopped having any signs like breast tenderness, ovulation pain, bloating, etc.  I never had any blood work to check hormonal levels.  My PA just told me "Yep, you're there."  I hope that my words did not imply that I thought you made up the post-menopausal.  It was not my intent.  It makes me wonder if I should get hormone levels done.  What do you think?

Laura

Posted 5/19/2013 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
If you aren't having any issues or questions about it, I wouldn't see any need to have anything checked.
Posted 5/19/2013 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
 

Hi Lynnwood,

      No real issues, so I will let matters be. 

Thanks!

Laura

Posted 5/19/2013 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
I had bloodwork done prior to that last period over a year's time and the results were all over the board (in my late 30's). Which I gather is common in peri-menopause. I never did have bloodwork to confirm actual menopause, just was told if I had bleeding or another period 6 mos to a year after stopping - a check-up was required. Which you've had. So - I wouldn't panic, but at the same time, I agree with calling your gyno asap. And for that matter, talking to your GP might not be a bad idea, since your endocrine system could be out of whack causing hormonal imbalances? Just a thought....
Lucy
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