Uterus Thickening

[dysvnat]

I'm a 47 year old female with no prior "female" issues.  Until 3 months ago my periods were like clockwork although getting much heavier with lots of clotting.  Three months ago I started having periods every 2 weeks - 3 times, then followed by a normal one 28 days later.  

Besides the period changes I've been having pain in my lower abdomen...usually dull cramping but sometimes as I'm emptying a full bladder I have severe "scream out" pain in that area.

My 23 year old son passed away from colon cancer 18 months ago.....So I have that history.

I had a transabdominal/transvaginal pelvic ultrasound on 5-20-2011.  The first day of my last period prior to the test was on 5-5-2011.

The results are....

Uterus is normal size - 11.7 x 4.2 x 7.3 cm.  No fibroids.  
Ovaries are normal in size.
Endometrial thickness is 11 mm, which is prominent considering my age.
Small amount of fluid is noted in the pelvic cul-de-sac.

I normally see an Internal Medicine Doctor so she is referring me to a gynecologist for further testing.  

I'd love some thoughts on my situation.  As you can imagine...I'm a bit concerned.

[dysvnat]

Thank you for your quick reply.  

One thing FOR SURE is that I will not let it go un-noticed.  I know to well what happens then.  
I will be calling a gyne today to get scheduled and I will insist on further testing.

I've also been having issues with irregular BMs.  This has NEVER been an issue with me.  I'm scheduled June 6th for my second (first was right after my son was diagnosed) colonoscopy and an EGD for some swallowing and choking issues.  

I will be very thankful to get a clean bill of health.

Thanks again!

[redheadaussie]

I had a similar situation just recently. I too, am 47. Unfortunately for us, menopause takes it spath for up to 5 years before periods actually stop. Also what can happen is a thing called Endometrial Hyperplasia. Basically a uterine thickening at the wrong time of a cycle.
  It would be wise to go the gynae and I know they will do all the checks.

I had a curette recently for this very problem. Luckily for me it was not a cancer. But E.H. left untreated can turn to cancer. I had an IUD inserted (Mirena) which releases progesterone to help keep the lining thinner. This lasts for 5 years and will take me through my menopause with (hopefully) no more excess lining.

The other issue it could be is called Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) this also can be caused by the perimenopause, which you could well be going through based on your symptoms as well. The hormones FSH if high means you are entering that phase and if your oestrogen is still high you can have fluctuating periods. This can be treated like in my case as well, with the progesterone IUD or you can take oral tablets.

  Reading up about E.H. on the net you might find cancer stories but more than often, as long as it is treated earlier there is no reason why it will turn cancerous.
Cheers