What Causes Heavy And Long Periods After Removal Of Polyp?

Posted on Tue, 17 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 Answered on

Sat, 12 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am mid forties, my older sister, aunt and mom had uterine cancer within five years past. All are ok so far. Last November I had endometrie biopsy as a test since familial cancer. Test was negative. Gyno removed polyp and that was it, not sure where polyp was from. Was fine for some time, but in last three months, very long periods lasting nine or ten days and then they stop for about four or five days and then very heavy bleeding for a few days, I have had it for a few days now.

Is this perhaps related to menopause or maybe the polyp has returned? I had no problems before the test like this. I have never been comfortable talking to doctors so i am asking you first to see if it's something i need to explore. Is it possible a symptom of uterine cancer? Could it be a vaginal tear from sex causing bleeding, though I haven't engaged in much sex, could it be completely separate that would cause such heavy bleeding? I am a little worried and should go to doctor likely.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
1. A tear from sex would not cause such amount and type of bleeding.
2. It is possible that the symptoms are related to peri menopause, as transient hormonal imbalances at this age group can result in abnormal bleeding.
3. YEs, you should have a workup at the earliest because of the strong family history of uterine cancers.
4. PLease have a detailed gynaecological exam - per vaginum and per speculum.
Also a pelvic transvaginal scan which will tell you if an endometrial biopsy is needed.
Hormonal levels also should be done - FSH, LH, Serum estradiol, TSH.
This will confirm if menopause is imminent.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (11 minutes later)

if i was told the tissue sample from biopsy is benign is it likely it still is only six months later? one last question too, do polyps usually grow back?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
IF the previous biopsy was benign, chances are this one will be too.
Difference being you have symptoms this time round, while last time the test was routinely done.
Polyps are notorious for recurrence.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (5 days later)

I have to probably wait a Month to see the Gyno, was wondering if it is ok to wait that long if having daily bleeding, clotting and bleeding amount varies, heavier flow some days like a regular period and other days bleeding but not as much but more than just spotting.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
I would have preferred an earlier appointment, but then what other options do you have ?
Can you expedite the process in any manner, if yes, please do so.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (16 minutes later)

I don't have any other options except an emergency room at the hospital and that seems abit extreme. I'm sure I likely have a polyp and it seems the bleeding slowly worsened after it was removed, it wasn't a problem at all before I had the endometrial biopsy and polyp removal. I guess I'm a bit anxious about cancer although I don't have any other symptoms so it seems unlikely.

Should I increase my iron and drink more fluids while I am having bleeding every day? Should I avoid exercise, sex, things that seem to aggravate the bleeding?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
The emergency room would also be futile as the complete workup would not be done there.
I understand your anxiety about the cancer, but short of expediting the process, there is precious little you can do.
Hydration is always good, also taking iron supplements and eating healthy is a good option.
IF exercise, sex and other triggers worsen your bleeding, it is also a good precaution to refrain till you have your workup.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar