waiting it out

I have had lots of problems with fibroids, bleeding , anemia. My question is this. Doesn't it have to stop, I am very close to menopause, or at least I think I should be. I am almost 52. The bleeding can't go on forever, right? Has anybody had this problem and just waited it out and eventually they were fine? Thank you in advance.

I too had fibroids, and after discussing options with a couple different Drs., MY only choice was a hysterectomy. Mainly because I was told that fibroids will eventually shrink and go away once you hit menopause. However, I am only 36 and have a ways to go before menopause.

As far as the bleeding, and anemia, I am not sure if that too will go away after you hit menopause. My suggestion would be to contact a couple different Drs. to see what their opinion is. It really helped me to get other opinions.

Hi ilikemyuterus

Yours is a good question, and one that unfortunately does not have a definitive answer.

My Mom had fibroids, heavy bleeding, etc.....she decided to wait it out and fortunately she made it---her fibroids eventually shrank and her bleeding stopped, she has had no gyn problems for years. I *tried* to get through menopause with my fibroids, and heavy bleeding----but during the 6 months prior to choosing hysterectomy, I had some episodes of hemorrhaging that really frightened me and my DH. The last time it happened my doctor told me "You do not want to have this surgery done on an emergency basis, ie. while hemorrhaging". Consequently, the right choice, for me, at age 49 was to choose hysterectomy, as my quality of life was seriously compromised. It turned out that I also had adenomyosis, which my doctor had previously suspected but had not been able to formally diagnose prior to removing my uterus. There is no "cure" for adeno, other than a hyst, so my decision to go ahead with the surgery was more than justified, (in my case).

That being said, it's so individual, and comes down to quality of life issues, diagnoses, and what you and your doctor(s) feel is best for you. I wish you good luck!

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Thank you very much Shelly2 and Mastro. And Shelly2 I'm glad your mom is ok now. It's so individual with everybody. You are right, I wouldn't want to have the surgery done in an emergency either. So for now I am just trying to keep ahead of the anemia and hope I can make it through this. Thank you both for taking the time to write.

Dear ilikemyuterus (cute name ):

Welcome to HysterSisters Perhaps a 2nd or 3rd medical opinion would offer up some other ideas to help deal with your symptoms. You can also check out our Resources Directory to learn more about your options http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/link.php?s=

Get smart about your symptoms and your options, and make the best choice for YOU. I am sending huge cyberhug