Had Pelvic And Transvaginal Ultra Sound For Ovarian Cysts. Have Regular And Normal Period. Have Thick Endometrium. Suggest?
CONSULT GYNECOLOGIST - PROGESTERONE WITHDRAWAL
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
As you are nearing 50, you are now approaching menopause.
Around this time, the period DO get irregular.
You start off by missing a period, or having scanty bleeding, or sometimes heavy and erratic , basically unpredictable menstrual bleeding.
By missing a period, the endometrium that has grown in the previous cycle is not shed off, hence yes, by missing just one period, it can easily grow upto 10 mm.
If you are not symptomatic, do not worry.
You might need progesterone tablets, to induce a withdrawal bleed.
By taking progesterone for a few days, and then stopping, you mimic the natural process that happens each month ( that gets disordered as hormones go awry closer to menopause ), and hence bleeding would occur in response to progesterone withdrawal.
Do consult your gynecologist regarding this.
Take care, and do feel free to discuss further.
DETAILED BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Just one skipped period, a lining of 10 mm is not ominous. However, sometimes there is a condition called endometrial hyperplasia, where again, due to hormonal imbalance, the lining of the uterus continues to thicken and grow, failing to shed off.
In this condition, a D and C and biopsy is required, as ONLY certain ( around 5 % ) of endometrial hyperplasia progresses on to malignancy.
As you have a family history of breast cancer (I assume its that, since you have failed to type in a key word after breast --- ), it is recommended to have a D and C as it will put your mind to rest.
If you have a spontaneous period within a few days, no medication is required.
If you do not have a period, then progesterone is required only for a few days ( 5 - 10 days ) to induce a period.
If this condition of missing periods and the thickening of the lining persists, then D and C should be done.
Take care.
Always feel free to discuss further.
DETAILED BELOW
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Firstly, a Pap smear just reveals the status of the cervix, that is, it screens for cervical cancer.
Endometrial hyperplasia is a risk for endometrial ( uterine cancer ).
I would not advice a D and C right away, unless you have heavy and torrential bleeding.
You can wait for your periods for another couple of weeks, have a repeat ultrasound, and if the thickness persists or increases, go for a diagnostic D and C, as it is a quite minor procedure, and would keep you safely covered.
Take care.