If you've been following me for a while, you'll know the last 12 months have plagued me with unexpected bleeding (as I'm technically postmenopausal), extreme pain, ambulances, hospitals and biopsies.
It's all because 2 years ago, I was started on HRT - but the wrong kind.
Or at least - only one of the two necessary hormones.
I was on oestrogen only for 12 months.
Because either the gp or the pharmacy made a mistake.
And I didn't know any better back then.
Obviously I do now and it's why I'm so passionate about others knowing exactly what they need.
In short - if you still have your womb, you MUST have a progesterone alongside your oestrogen.
It's simply not an option not to have it.
Oestrogen on it's own can cause thickening of the endometrium (your womb lining).
This can lead to other problems, the biggest of which is cancer if it goes untreated.
I developed this thickening, endometrial hyperplasia, which led to a 3-week long bleed and huge discomfort in February 2022.
I was immediately sent for a scan and biopsy which confirmed my condition.
As there was (thankfully) no cancer, I was put back onto HRT and this time, both oestrogen and progesterone.
However...
I was given Utrogestan which is absolutely the preferred application under normal circumstances.
But Utrogestan will only help with some symptoms. It will not counteract the hyperplasia.
Noone told me this.
So another 3 months down the line and I have my second 3-week bleed, more severe than the last one.
This time I had to call an ambulance and be admitted to hospital.
Yet another biopsy was arranged and it showed my cells had now turned precancerous.
I was horrified.
Although it's not a given it would turn to cancer, it definitely wasn't a good sign.
So I was then given a different progesterone, stronger and actually, not as safe as Utrogestan but I had little other choice.
Since then, despite taking the pills religiously, I've continued to have these bleeds. Each one more painful than the last.
At this point, I really only have 2 choices...
To have the Mirena coil fitted or to have a hysterectomy.
I know everyone has their own experience and a lot of good ones at that, but I quite simply do not want to have something placed inside of me.
I've had so much trauma this last year that I am not prepared to take the risk of a. the coil not working, b. it becoming displaced or c. it causing me further issues.
So this leaves but one choice - hysterectomy.
And I know it comes with it's own risks but I just know it's the right decision.
In fact, I wanted the operation when I was in my teens as I knew I wasn't having children and I hated having periods!
Obviously I'd never have been given it at that age but now there is no reason they should refuse me.
I'll be using this forum as I document my journey, sharing the highs and lows and ultimately the results.
I'd love to hear from you if you're in a similar situation, or have been and went down the same route as I am.
I have a GP consultation call next Wednesday - I'll let you know how it goes!
But my final note has to be - if you're on or considering HRT, please make sure you have a progesterone in some form if you still have your womb.
I didn't even know I needed it 2 years ago and I can't bear the thought of others not knowing.
Feel free to email me if you want to have a chat.
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