| Menopause and "staining"
Posted: 12/18/2007 4:49:26 AM | Just wondering if pink staining is common in menopause? I appear to be in Menopause, (no periods for the last 6 months, hot flashes and lots of stuff I don't wanna talk about, lol) but I also seem to have thyroid problems, too. I've had the blood tests done to determine if I have thyroid issues, but still don't have the results back. In fact, I have every single freakin symptom of both conditions, but what concerns me most is the fact that if I'm actually not in Menopause, then why have I stopped having periods for so long, and started this faint, light staining that appears off and on? Please tell me this is normal?
I have a full physical scheduled, but it's not until the end of January. I think I'm gonna lose my mind well before then.
Thanks very much! | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/18/2007 1:53:38 PM | I like the mayo clinic website. This is what they have to say about menopause:
Technically, you don't actually "hit" menopause until it's been one year since your final menstrual period. In the United States, that happens about age 51, on average.
The signs and symptoms of menopause, however, often appear long before the one-year anniversary of your final period. They include:
* Irregular periods
* Decreased fertility
* Vaginal dryness
* Hot flashes
* Sleep disturbances
* Mood swings
* Increased abdominal fat
* Thinning hair
* Loss of breast fullness
(you gotta love that last one.)
You should also check out this link
http://mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-bleeding/HO00159 | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/18/2007 1:58:12 PM | | also check out something called "perimenopause" . I'd be curious to find out how that relates to your situation. | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/18/2007 4:03:29 PM | Yes, very normal for the first year of menopause.
Your problem with spotting could be related to your thyroid levels, but most likely a combination of the 2.
You said you had the thyroid tests done already. I would suggest having your physician run the necessary labs to see where you are at with menopause (if you are actually there or not). It's a simple blood test too to check hormone levels.
"Perimenopause" varies greatly among women with age, length of time (1- 3 years) and symptoms. I agree, I would look into that also, you may be on the cusp.
Good luck  | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/18/2007 5:48:36 PM | It's not like the release of eggs just stops. The production of hormones that goes along with ovulation is on a roller-coaster while this is happening and you might go for a few months without a period, then have some spotting, then nothing... Like a poster said above - until you have not had a period in 12 months it isn't considered menopause.
Go see your family doc or ob/gyn if you're concerned. Sometimes abnormal spotting can be a symptom of something serious and it's important to get it checked out. | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/18/2007 10:37:00 PM | ^^^ This is exactly correct, which is why it is necessary to talk to your ob/gun, and see if they think hormone levels to determine if you are entering menopause are necessary. Depending on your eval with the Dr., they will determine a plan of action, which may also include tests for an endometrial biposy and a another test where fluid is injected into the tubes to check for structural abnormalities.
Both of these tests are important in identifying uterine cancers, etc., so if you have not already been determined to have completed menopause (with f/u by hormone levels and one year free of periods) these tests are necessary.
As butt_uglee pointed out, it's not like the release of eggs just suddenly stops. Hormone production waxes and wanes, and it is a roller coaster ride.
Hang on!!! But do get things checked out, just to determine if you are indeed entering menopause.
HTH | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/19/2007 4:04:46 AM | Thanks everyone! My results came back yesterday...my thyroid is "normal", which is really hard for me to understand. Since the symptoms for both are very similar, I'm left to deduce that this must be menopause. I really wish I knew, but I'm having to wait for my doc to make an OB-GYN appointment for me. I'm thinking about making that appointment myself...
I've been in perimenopause for about 5-6 years. My last periods were all over the place; from every 2 weeks to skipping a month or two, then back to every 2 weeks. Then they just stopped. For the last 6 months, I really thought I was in menopause and had accepted it just fine; though I did think it was kinda early. But, because of all the other things wrong with me, coupled with the staining and specks of tissue that I was passing, I had begun to get seriously freaked out. It's been very reassuring to hear that this staining might not be too unusual, so thanks for sharing that with me. :) I've been researching menopause for a few months now, but have never read anything regarding staining as a symptom, and my Mom wasn't any help because she had a early hysterectomy.
This waiting to be seen and tested sucks!
Again, thanks very much! | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 12/20/2007 11:07:12 PM | what was your thyroid level? anything under a 5.25 is considered normal (it used to be 5.0...hmmm, how did that change in just a few years) but anything in a high "2", "3" or a "4" is considered high with most naturopaths and they will treat your thyroid, whereas conventional medicine won't because you are in that "normal" range. If your hormones aren't balanced, anything can happen and it sounds like it is in your case.
Find a naturopath that is well versed in bioidentical hormones and is with the AAMA. When you find that you will get answers followed by results!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Good luck! | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/8/2008 3:28:37 PM | OP, there arer many things that can cause the staining. I don't know how old you are since your profile is hidden. When I turned 48, I developed fibroid tumors. I also had a polyp on my cervix that caused heavy bleeding. The polyp alone could have caused staining. You may be developing polyps or fibroids.
Since your mother had an early hysterectomy, you don't know mention if she had fibroids.
As has been mentioned, you have to go a full year without any bleeding before you are considered in menopause I believe. This is the time of life to expect irregular bleeding. Probably the light staining is normal. If it were heavy bleeding like I suddenly had when I turned 48, then there would be more cause for concern.
I am also being evaluated for thyroid problems. My twin sister suffered for years because her doctor considered her thyroid test "normal," even though she had symptoms of thyroid problems. When he finally decided to treat her, her health improved dramatically. If your primary care physician doesn't think your thyroid results are abnormal and you feel you have all the symptoms of thyroid disease, ask for a referral to an endocrinologist.
I also am being evaluated for hyperaldosteronism. My pcp said that my aldosterine level was borderline, but the endocrinologist said it was high. That's the difference that seeing a specialist can make. The specialist knows the values and can look for more than just one blood test. | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/9/2008 4:15:45 AM | Since I first started this thread, 2 test results have come in...my thyroid levels are normal (didn't give me the actual numbers) and I am in menopause, at 46. However, I'm still bleeding (pink, red, brown--almost 4 weeks now) and my doc cannot seem to hide his concern. (I switched docs in this process, which delayed getting in to see an OB-GYN.) He went ahead and did a pelvic exam and pap, and those results should be back at the end of this week. He's scheduling an ob-gyn appt. for me, and I'm seriously hoping they'll do a vaginal ultrasound.
Back in 2004, I did have 2 ovarian cysts and 3 fibroids, as well as a few other issues that meant I was supposed to be monitored and also have paps every 3 months. When I divorced, I lost my insurance, and sadly, never followed up on any of it--now I'm playing catch up.  Coupled with the horrendous, embarrassing bloating I'm experiencing, the random, off/on sharp pains and general pelvic discomfort, as well as the (sometimes) pain I experience with sex in any position, and the bleeding of 4 weeks, I'm pretty concerned.
As much as I've researched this bleeding, I still cannot determine if it's normal. I asked my doc and he said "it needs to be examined". Well, duh! Vagina's don't bleed for no good reason, lol. I'd not be as concerned, since I know that 3 years ago I did have the cysts and fibroids, except for the never ending bloating and general "all over" feeling of fullness, off and on pain, and the fact that I always bleed after sex...the fresh, red blood--not the pink or brown stuff.
I really appreciate all the info, thank you! And Can It Be, what is hyperaldosteronism? Are you OK? | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/9/2008 6:33:49 AM | OP, cysts on the ovaries are very common from what I understand. I had one when I had a partial hysterectomy in November 2005. The doctors could see the cyst. They left it alone as it should resolve itself.
Your bloating and overall feeling of fulness concerns me. They have finally figured out that ovarian cancer does have symptoms, and I believe that bloating and the feeling of fulness are two of them. I guess with ovarian cancer, your abdomen swells even if you have not gained weight.
It is not uncommon that you would not have had fibroids a couple of years ago.
I think that bleeding after intercourse is not uncommon. Some women have a very delicate cervix. Intercourse is a vigorous activity for the cervix. More than a little bit of blood would be a cause of concern.
Hyperaldosteronism is a rare disease of the adrenal glands. It may be caused by a tumor on the adrenal glands. It was discovered because I am chronically deficient in potassium. Now my doctor also suspects that I have thyroid disease. I hope that is what is making me SO tired. My doctor said that once you have something wrong with one part of the endocrine system, you are more likely to have other things go wrong. I also read that prematurely gray hair is a risk factor for thyroid disease. My hair started to turn gray by the time I was 30! | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/9/2008 7:35:02 AM | ^^I certainly hope your situation is treatable and manageable, and that they get you all sorted out very soon!
Believe me, ovarian cancer has crossed my mind, but I'm trying to patiently await testing and remain calm, even though I'm also preparing myself for worst case scenarios, too.
Again, thanks everyone! | |
|
Mulva
|
Joined: 12/28/2007
Msg: 13 | |
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/11/2008 12:35:30 PM | Anyone here that's gone through menopause feel fatigued during? I don't know if it's the season or what but I just want to hibernate  | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/16/2008 5:49:05 PM | Have you had a complete blood count done to guarantee that you are not anemic?
Are you on a diuretic that may be causing the electrolyte (sodium/potassium) imbalance. There is no fatigue quite like being deficient in potassium. It can actually be life-threatening.
If this is a change for you, I suggest that you see your doctor for some blood work and whatever tests he/she recommends. | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/16/2008 8:38:00 PM | are you talking about "periods".......... UGH. I thought it was about painting or something on the lines of anything BUT that...
is nothing private anymore? | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/16/2008 9:01:44 PM |
My results came back yesterday...my thyroid is "normal",
What is the actual result of your test? Find out.
Three years ago, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists narrowed the field of what is considered normal to 0.3 to 3.0 from the older range of 0.5 to 5.5 (TSH test). Surprisingly, many clinics and doctors still use the older range to measure "normal". So, if your TSH test came up 5.3, it is possible for a doctor using the old range to declare you normal, whereas by current standards, you would be declared hypothyroid and put on medication.
Disfunctional thyroid is one of the most undetected diseases in North America.
Hypo (underactive) signs are:
weight gain
tired and sluggish
poor memory
hair loss
fuzzy thinking
depression
Brooker | |
|
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/17/2008 7:23:30 AM | Anyone here that's gone through menopause feel fatigued during? I don't know if it's the season or what but I just want to hibernate
It's very common, so go ahead and get your naps in!:)
I haven't had a complete blood work up, but it's probably on the "to do" list. They're working me over top to bottom, lol.
Lil Brooker...I can see that I will need to get the actual numbers, as it did strike me odd that I have every single symptom of hyperthyroid. I didn't think too much about it because of the test results that verified I'm in menopause. The symptoms are so similar!
I've been to the Gyno and will be having an endometrial biopsy as well as a transvaginal ultrasound. He can't find any cause for the bleeding and being that my uterus was a bit enlarged, he decided to go ahead and eliminate any concerns regarding cancer.
I thought it was about painting or something on the lines of anything BUT that...
is nothing private anymore?
Menopause and painting?! Oh, please! Your mind took quite a lil leap there! I think I was quite clear in my subline...you had the choice to read or not read, and you had the choice to post or not post your "nothing" reply. | |
|
Mulva
|
Joined: 12/28/2007
Msg: 18 | |
| |
| Menopause and staining
Posted: 1/18/2008 11:17:29 AM | | well im 45 perimenopausal, and my routinue is like russian rouletter never know when its gonna happen, hot flushes are getting worse, and the mood swings. Good job i aint got a fella lol | |
|
Home
login 
