decisions

decisions Hello. I am new to this site. I was informed yesterday I have moderate atypia of uterine lining. I am being told the options are progesterone or hysterectomy.

Seems the odds on progesterone for 3 months are not in my favor. any feedback?

I am not real thrilled about surgery (as I have a bleeding disorder), but I don't want cancer either.

Hi Yasmina,

You will find many women on this website that have had hysterectomies for hyperplasia w/atypia, many who have not, and many different opinions concerning the matter.. a lot has to do w/peoples' backgrounds and beliefs.

I myself have chosen to treat endometrial cancer (assumed early stage) w/progestins, not surgery.. and you know that cancer is worse than hyperplasia. I did it because I haven't had children, but I've known someone who has tried it even after having children.

I hope that this site will help you make an informed choice.

Pat

Pat,

Thanks for your reply.

I had no idea a Mirena was a form of treatment.

Good luck to you. I hope you have a baby, if that is what you would like.

Jeannette

Thanks..

And good luck to you too

Jeannette

It is always a good idea to get a second and third opinion before any decisions are made when it comes to a major surgery.

As you can see there might be another alternative and I have found that different doctors do have different approaches to treating things.

Good luck and
Big 's

Jeannette,
I was originally diagnosed with "complex hyperplasia with atypia" in spring, 2004, after experiencing abnormal bleeding and cramping. The doctor recommended hysterectomy. (I am 56 years old and 6 years past menopause.) I tried taking progesterone (200 mg./day) for 3 months. I had a hard time dealing with the side effects of the progesterone, without estrogen. I was so crabby that I thought I'd lose my job and/or my husband ! But at least this gave me 3 months in which to think, read, and finally make a decision about the hysterectomy. Everything I read indicated that this condition should be resolved with a hysterectomy, except in cases where the woman really wanted to try to have a baby. At age 56, this was not an issue for me.

I went ahead with the hysterectomy on Aug. 24, 2004. My pathology report showed that the "complex hyperplasia with atypia" had continued and even spread, during the time I was taking progesterone. The report also showed that I had adenomyosis, fibroids, and cervical cancer (Grade I -- not very serious). So, at that point, I was glad that I had had the hysterectomy and took care of it when I did. But everyone's situation is different. Good luck in deciding what you want to do.

Barbara

Hi Barbara P,

I am 53 yrs old-had breast cancer at 38. I just had my 2nd polyp removed from uterus and this time hyperplasia. I was thinking about progesterone but after reading your response about taking it and not working I am scheduled for total hysterectomy 10/27 I rec'd 3 opinions and with my cancer history all the doctors agreed that I wasn't foolish to have this done. I have side aches and lower back pain but no bleeding at all this time my problem was silent just the thickening in my uterus which was the polyp. I guess its worse to try to make the decision when you aren't bleeding heavily or worse. My dr is taking everything and will try to do a vaginal hyst. inserted a estrogen ring to build up the vagina. He asked me how big my children were (7 & 8#'s) that must have something to do with trying to do it vaginally. I'm in menopause since 50. So tired, achy, just don't feel good at all, depressed. I wonder how I'll be after this. Then I was thinking about taking natural hormones-oncologist said could take estriol on trial basis but no progesterone-Everything I read says take both to balance. If anyone can advise on this I'd sure appreciate it.

Barbara,

Did the surgeon remove your cervix? The nurse practitioner said 'i would hate them if they had to take my cervix.'

Jeannette