Intermenstrual bleeding- anyone experienced this?

[EllaFitz]

Hi, I've had intermenstrual bleeding for years. Have had 2 hysteroscopies, one of which removed several large polyps. However, this did not stop intermenstrual bleeding. The second hysteroscopy did not find any polyps or other abnormalities despite the fact I was still bleeding in the middle of my cycle.

The bleeding is quite significant and much more than spotting. It can last anywhere from 5-14 days (in addition to a long period!)... Very frustrating. It always starts around the same time each month (several days after my period ends). My guess is that it lasts for the duration of my fertile window.

I have quite severe pain during periods however don't really have pain when bleeding in middle of cycle (except for in my ovaries during ovulation time).

Have had a lot of speculation about what this could be- "instable womb lining", "hormonal imbalances".

Have heard mixed messages about whether endo could cause intermenstrual bleeding- from what I have read does this not seem to be a main symptom?

Does anyone here experience bleeding like this? Did it go away after a laparoscopy? Or was it linked to another uterine / hormonal issue?

[LEH199]

Hey -

I can totally relate! My bleeding can last 3 days or 3 weeks totally at random as well with small intervals - the longest gap I experience at present is 6 days without bleed. I was previously too told a number of times that my issue too is due to a hormone in balance. I’ve had countless ultrasounds over the last 5 years, all without any findings.

Go back and speak to your consultant and discuss options, they may offer hormones (from experience) so be prepared for that, alternatively potentially a laparoscopy. Also if you haven’t already speak to your GP as they can prescribe tranexamic acid to ease your bleeding and you can take it whenever you need it. Recommend you also check out the NICE pathway if you haven’t already.

I’m awaiting a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy soon as they now strongly believe the bleeding (among other symptoms) to be symptoms of endometriosis... just keep pushing you have to keep going, you will get there - don’t give up!

Hope this helps.

X

[EllaFitz in reply to LEH199]

Thank you for your reply Sounds very familiar! Yes have been offered hormonal treatments before but do not react well to hormonal treatment due to migraines etc. Also have been considering having a laparoscopy however not sure my symptoms justify the risks at this time- still thinking about it though! None of the gynaes I have seen suggested that intermenstrual bleeding was due to endometriosis. I guess the problem is it can be due to so many issues- it's hard to figure out the true cause. Thanks for suggesting the NICE pathway- haven't looked at this yet. Thanks for the encouragement I hope your laparoscopy and hysteroscopy goes well Would be interested to hear how you get on after if you don't mind!

[LEH199 in reply to EllaFitz]

You’re more than welcome! Completely understand your concerns, you just have to balance your risks... and of course I’ll pop you a message once I’ve had had the surgery, due to hear more about it on Monday (touch wood!!)