irregular periods and cancer

lostAtlife · New User Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

Hi
I am 30 yrs old and have had irregular periods since was 15, my period started at around age 9(at which time they were regular). My period comes every 10 days and lasts for 10 days. I have been to many doctors, gyns and they have done routine, thyroid and lactic something tests and they have come out normal. One doc. I went to diagnosed me with Poly cystic ovary syn.(PCOS) I have also had cysts on my ovaries, but on a subsequent ultrasound they have not been visible. I have been on birth control pills and they seem to regulate my periods as long as I am on them, but go back to what they were when I stop. Recently my periods have not been stopping after 10 days. I have started to see a reproductive endocrinologist since I want to get pregnant again. I have taken clomid for 1 cycle and then my period just stopped for 2 and ½ months and I was not pregnant. Then my period started and lasted for 14 days. I go back to the endocrin. soon. The point of my long ramblings is that I am very concerned; I know irregular periods increase the changes of ovarian cancer, and I don’t think it gets more irregular than mine. but doctors have no solutions or tests to ensure(if at all possible) that I am ok. all I get is that ovarian cancer can’t really be detected very early. I will greatly appreciate any input anyone can give me on my situation. Crying or Very sad

rmaureen · Moderator Joined: 06 Oct 2005 Posts: 237

Hi lostatlife,

Welcome to the forums Very Happy

. I cannot really answer your questions, but I do advise annual paps (which I am sure you take), and for you to report any departure from what your "typical" period is (...understanding it has been very atypical...) to your gynecologist. Below I have posted information from the Mayo Clinic website concerning potential complications for those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. According to the risks listed, obesity plays a factor for increasing one's chance of developing a complication. I do want to say you may have to PUSH for more advanced testing if troubling symptoms persist--such as a biopsy or D & C.--as opposed to ultrasounds-- which I gather you have taken. Hopefully someone will post who can share their experiences or knowledge with this.

------------------------

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423

Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff

Having polycystic ovary syndrome makes the following conditions more likely, especially if obesity also is a factor:

* Type 2 diabetes
* High blood pressure
* Cholesterol abnormalities, such as high triglycerides or low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol
* Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a cardiovascular disease marker
* Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of signs and symptoms that indicate a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease
* Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver
* Sleep apnea
* Abnormal uterine bleeding
* Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer), caused by exposure to continuous high levels of estrogen
* Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, if you do become pregnant

-------------

Rhonda
_________________
Diagnosed Sept. 2005
Stage III-C Endometrial Adenocarcinoma
Grade 2

Jean222 · Senior User Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 249

Hi,

I understand your concerns and wonder if you've been checked for endometriosis.

It plays havoc with your periods and can be detected by tissue taken at a D&C.

I agree with maureen, you probably need more than ultrasounds, a D&C at the very least.

To put you at ease, I'd say that if you don't have symptoms of ovarian cancer, not to worry yourself too much.

Best wishes,

Jean

lostAtlife · New User Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 3

thanks for ur responses, i have seen many doc. over the years but none have ever mentioned endometriosis. i will bring it up at my next visit. turns out i have developed some other symptoms since my last post, dizziness, nasea, fatigue and i have to get some blood tests for that. apparently i am gettin' the benefits(not) of PCOS, until now i was pretty healthy.
thanks again for the info.

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