Enlarged uterus

So I went to my OBGYN the other day because my lower stomach is killing me and my period is late again. My last one was back in mid-December. My cycles are always all over the place, partly because of the epilepsy meds I’m on. During the exam, the doctor told me (for the second time now!) that I might actually be pregnant since my uterus feels pretty enlarged, especially considering I've only had one kid. He suggested I take a Gravindex test again, but I totally shot him down because my boyfriend and I have been careful. I'm just wondering what an enlarged uterus could actually mean—is that even normal? He put me on Duphaston to jumpstart my period and told me to get my prolactin levels checked on day three of my cycle. About six months ago, they found these tiny little follicles on my ovaries that looked like cysts; they suspected PCOS, but nothing is official yet. One doctor tells me everything is fine, while another says the exact opposite. Plus, sex is super painful right now. Has anyone dealt with this? Is an enlarged uterus something dangerous or just no big deal? This guy keeps insisting I might be pregnant just because it felt enlarged during the exam...!!????

honestly—i'd deal with the pregnancy situation first before even bothering to think about anything else

Ashley Cooper52 said:I’d rule out pregnancy first before worrying about anything else.

Well, pregnancy is already off the table. I’ve ruled that out. If I were pregnant, I’d feel it—there would be symptoms or some sign, you know? It’s definitely not that, especially since my cycle is all over the place. Lately, I only even get my period if I take medication to jumpstart it.
Plus, my OBGYN told me a couple of months ago that my uterus was enlarged. Then I took Duphaston and finally got my period. I actually saw a private doctor in the meantime, and he said everything looked totally fine—didn't mention anything about an enlarged uterus at all.
So basically, what does an enlarged uterus actually mean? (Besides being pregnant)😕? Is that even normal or what?

Hannah Roberts86 said:Well, I already ruled out pregnancy right off the bat. If I were pregnant, I’d feel it—I'd have symptoms or at least some kind of sign, you know? It’s definitely not pregnancy, especially since my periods are so irregular lately... honestly, I usually only get them if I take those hormone pills to jumpstart things.
And besides, my OBGYN told me a couple of months ago that my uterus was enlarged, and then after taking Duphaston, my period finally showed up. In the meantime, I actually went to see a private specialist, and he told me everything looked totally fine. He didn't mention anything about an oversized uterus or any other issues.
So, what I'm really wondering is, what else could an enlarged uterus mean? (besides being pregnant)😕? Is that even a common thing or should I be worried?

If everything else checks out, then just find a new doctor! Honestly, I'm starting to wonder if this one even knows what they're doing.

Kate Moore21 said:Then everything’s fine, just switch doctors. I'm really not sure this guy knows what he's doing.

Totally agree. My current doc is just super awkward, honestly. He told me my irregular periods are because of my epilepsy meds. But then he also goes, "Watch out if you don't want to get pregnant right now, because you could easily conceive!" Like, how?? Is it because of an enlarged uterus or something?? Even though he knows my cycle is always messed up, every single time he does a manual exam, he's like: "Could be pregnancy," and keeps asking for a Gravindex test. This OBGYN hasn't even used an ultrasound on me since he runs his own private practice and charges extra for $100. The specialist I saw privately did use an ultrasound and said my ovaries look totally normal and I'm definitely ovulating, but he couldn't explain why my period keeps skipping. I'm guessing it's the meds, but can all these anti-seizure drugs actually cause infertility? I've already had a baby once, so I know I can. Nothing makes sense and I'm totally lost no matter how many doctors I see. Heading to a neurologist soon for more tests—really hoping they change my prescription because this one has way too many side effects...

Hannah Roberts86 said:I feel the same way. My current doctor is just so confused. He told me my irregular periods are due to my epilepsy medication, but then he also warned me to be careful if I don't want to get pregnant right now because it might be easy to conceive! How? Is it because of an enlarged uterus?? Even though he knows I have cycle issues, every single time he does a manual exam, he claims pregnancy is possible and asks for a pregnancy test.. This OBGYN never even used an ultrasound on me; he runs a private practice and charges extra for that $100. The specialist I saw privately did use an ultrasound and said my ovaries are working fine and that I am ovulating, but he couldn't tell me why my periods keep skipping. I assume it's the meds, but could all these epilepsy drugs cause infertility? I've already had a child once. Honestly, nothing makes sense, no matter how many doctors I see. I'm heading for some neurological tests now and hope they change my prescription, because this current one has endless side effects...

Epilepsy meds affect your cycle, not the size of your uterus. They won't make you infertile! It's just that since they mess with your period, they affect ovulation, which in turn affects your ability to conceive. It's a vicious cycle!😁
Pregnancy is usually detected during an exam when the uterus feels enlarged during palpation. That’s probably why he's confused...
It's not right that he didn't use an ultrasound. If there is a medical indication for an ultrasound, he MUST perform it at no extra cost! You could actually report him for malpractice! He can't claim your uterus is enlarged and then skip the ultrasound! Good grief, what kind of doctors are these!?? 😠

Sandra Torres39 said:Those epilepsy meds affect your cycle, not an enlarged uterus. You won't become infertile from them! But since they mess with your cycle, they mess with ovulation, which affects your chances of getting pregnant! It's a total vicious cycle!😁
You know how you spot pregnancy? A doctor feels an enlarged uterus during a physical exam. That’s probably why she’s confused...
That ultrasound thing he did is totally wrong. If you have a medical reason for an ultrasound, he HAS to do it for FREE under your insurance! Seriously, you could report him for malpractice! He can't just feel an enlarged uterus and skip the ultrasound! For crying out loud, what kind of doctors are these!?? 😠

Yeah, happens every single time I see this guy. He takes Blue Cross patients and private ones too. When I go through my insurance, I don't get a real opinion, any advice, or even a decent exam without paying extra $100to get the full treatment. That's clearly his business model—he lures women in through insurance just so they'll switch to private pay because the basic exams suck. I bet not even 20% of people are happy with those checkups. This is the second time he's felt my uterus and assumed I was pregnant without using an ultrasound. Then he sends me to get a pregnancy test that he also charges for at his office. In the clinic where I see him through insurance, there isn't even an ultrasound machine or any modern gear, just an old-school metal exam chair. Total junk! Meanwhile, his private practice is top-of-the-line.
I believe my meds might affect my period and therefore my ovulation, but why did this other gynecologist I saw privately say my ovulation is fine and my ovaries are working perfectly? Who's crazy here... these doctors? They're either just guessing or I'm suddenly super healthy one minute and totally fine the next... it's all over the place!!!

Look, I really think it’s time you found a new gynecologist!
He seems like the type who just goes through the motions and only cares about his bottom line. 👎
If I were in your shoes, I’d send a formal letter to the Department of Health just to make sure they keep an eye on him.

You are clearly healthy from a gynecological standpoint. As long as your Pap smear results are normal, there isn't much to worry about. 😉
Don't stress over the enlarged uterus! It won't cause you any harm if it's just the size of the organ itself—the most important thing is that your ultrasound looks good!

Sandra Torres39 said:Look, you seriously need to find a new OBGYN!
The guy just goes through the motions; he doesn't care, he's only good when he's getting paid. 👎
If I were you, I'd send a letter to the Department of Health just so they'd drop by and check him out once in a while.

You're clearly fine gynecologically. As long as your Pap smear is clean, don't sweat it. 😉
Don't worry about that enlarged uterus! It won't hurt you if the uterus itself is just bigger—as long as the ultrasound looks good, you're golden!

Yeah, true, but here's an example: I went to a gynecologist in San Francisco when I was living there for a bit, and she was awesome. She explained everything, did a super thorough exam—ultrasound and manual—and told me I had ovarian cysts. Said if I wanted to get pregnant later, I'd need hormone therapy, which I can't do because of my epilepsy meds. Anyway, I went to a hospital doctor in San Francisco once and he told me my ovaries looked almost polycystic, especially the left one, which seemed full of tiny follicles. My prolactin was at 625 back then. Normal is like 400.
A month or two after that, I moved back home and the doctor I signed up with here mentioned the enlarged uterus and potential pregnancy issues. So, I went for a second opinion from a private specialist regarding the polycystic ovaries and all that, and he told me there are NO cysts, my ovaries work totally fine, I'm ovulating, and everything is perfect. But he couldn't tell me why my period is constantly late—he just guessed it might be stress. But is it even possible for those "polycystic" looking ovaries to just vanish like that? I'm so confused. And I'm still taking pills to trigger my period every single time, plus I'm getting extra hair on my chin and chest... hm...

Hannah Roberts86 said:Well, I think there's some truth to this. For example, when I lived in San Francisco for a while, my gynecologist there was wonderful. She was very thorough with both the ultrasound and manual exams. She told me I had cysts on my ovaries and mentioned that if I wanted to get pregnant later, I’d need hormonal therapy—which I can't take because of the pills I use to trigger my period. Later, I went to see a specialist at a hospital in San Francisco, and he noted that my ovaries looked almost polycystic, especially the left one, which seemed full of tiny follicles. My prolactin levels were also quite high at 625, when anything under 400 is considered normal.
After moving back home a couple of months later, the local doctor I signed up with suggested an enlarged uterus and possible pregnancy. I eventually sought a second opinion from a private gynecologist regarding the polycystic concerns. He actually told me there were no cysts, that my ovaries were functioning normally, and that I was ovulating fine. He couldn't explain why my periods are constantly late, though, suggesting it might just be stress. But is it even possible for those cysts and polycystic signs to just vanish? I'm so confused. In the meantime, I'm still taking those tablets to induce my period, and I've noticed some unwanted hair growth on my chin and chest... hm...

Prolactin is essentially a stress hormone. When you're stressed, it spikes. There could be other causes too, but I won't go into all that right now.
It sounds like you have a mild case of PCOS. It doesn't necessarily mean anything "dangerous." Some months the cysts might be more prominent than others. Since you mentioned the unwanted hair growth, you should check the side effects listed for those tablets you take to induce your period. If that isn't a side effect, then your ovaries might be developing more cysts. Regarding getting pregnant, once you decide you're ready (ideally sooner rather than later), just schedule an ultrasound right before ovulation so a doctor can confirm everything is on track. That should do it!

Sandra Torres39 said:Prolactin is basically just a stress hormone. So when you're stressed, it spikes. There are other reasons too, but I won't get into all that right now.
It sounds like you have a mild case of PCOS. It doesn't have to be anything "scary." Cysts can fluctuate month to month, being stronger or weaker. Since you mentioned unwanted hair growth, check the fine print on those period pills you're taking to make sure that isn't a side effect! If it’s not, then your ovaries probably just have more cysts forming. Regarding getting pregnant, the main thing is that once you're ready to conceive (ideally sooner rather than later) just go for an ultrasound right before ovulation so your doctor can confirm it, and that's it!

Nah, it wasn't the pills. I had some extra hair even before I started taking them to jumpstart my period—that mostly started when my cycles began getting super irregular. My sister dealt with PCOS too; her prolactin was at 1800 and don't even get me started on the hair situation. She ended up doing laser treatment. Now, could that be hereditary? She actually got pregnant totally normally even though they told her it wouldn't be easy. She didn't overthink it and boom! It happened!
So everything just depends.
Why do I think it's good to get pregnant ASAP? Hmm... it's the plan, but I'm not exactly rushing right now. I'm honestly a little nervous because of the epilepsy, my meds, and all that stuff. But if it happens by accident, I'd be stoked.
Oh, right—I need to get my prolactin checked on day three of my cycle. My OBGYN gave me a referral, I took two of those period-inducing pills, and my period arrived on day three—so today. But my actual third day falls on Saturday. Can I just do the blood work tomorrow instead? Like, on day two? And how long does it usually take to get results back?

Hannah Roberts86 said:No, it isn't from those pills I take to start my period. I actually had some excess hair growth even before I started taking them, which mostly started when my cycles became irregular. My sister dealt with PCOS and had her prolactin levels hit 1800; she definitely had hair issues too and eventually ended up getting laser treatment. Now, could that be hereditary? She actually managed to get pregnant naturally, even though doctors told her it wouldn't be easy. She didn't overthink it and, well, it happened!
It all depends.
Why do you think it would be good for me to get pregnant as soon as possible? Hmm... it is part of my plan, but I'm not in any rush right now. I'm also a bit nervous because of my epilepsy and my medication, though I’d be happy if it just happened by chance.
Oh, right—I need to go get my prolactin checked on the third day of my cycle. My OBGYN gave me a referral, and after taking two pills to induce my period, it started today. Since today is day one, my third day falls on Saturday. Can I go tomorrow instead, on day two? And how long does it usually take to get the results back?

You likely have PCOS too, but it isn't the end of the world. Not every woman with PCOS struggles to conceive. However, fertility issues tend to increase with age. It becomes especially tricky when you combine age, PCOS, and anti-epileptic drugs. I only mentioned this because I wasn't sure how old you were, just as a precaution. 😉
I'm not sure if you went for bloodwork today, but you could have gone; just make sure to emphasize that it is the second day of your cycle so they can note it on the report. You should have the results within a week.

Sandra Torres39 said:You probably have PCOS too, but honestly, it’s not the end of the world. Not every woman with PCOS struggles to get pregnant. But yeah, age starts to matter more, which definitely impacts fertility. Especially when you mix age, PCOS, and anti-epileptic meds... Anyway, I only mentioned that because I don't know how old you are and just wanted to mention it for prevention's sake. 😉
Not sure if you went for bloodwork today, but you could've gone. Just make sure to tell them it's day 2 of your cycle so they note it on the results. They should be ready in about a week.

A week? Haha okay, not too bad. Last time I went to get my prolactin checked down in San Francisco, the results were ready the next day! Anyway, I'm 25 right now. Had my first kid 4.5 years ago. It feels a little awkward getting pregnant again right now—I have a new boyfriend (I'm divorced), we're in a serious relationship and planning to move in together and all that, but I'm just terrified of having a second kid with a new partner. I'm scared of how my little one will react, how a new baby will affect him, and all that stuff. I really want another kid so I can call the shots, but obviously, I don't get a vote right now 🤷. My situation is kind of messy, but that's a whole other topic. Hopefully everything works out...
Didn't go for bloodwork today. They told me to come Saturday instead, so tomorrow. Going early in the morning, hopefully it won't be packed like it usually is on a weekday.

Hannah Roberts86 said:In a week? Well, okay, that isn't too bad. Last time I had my prolactin checked while I was visiting San Francisco, the results were ready the very next day! For context, I'm 25 now. I had my first child about four and a half years ago. It feels a little awkward to get pregnant again right now since I have a new boyfriend. We’re divorced, but we’re in a serious relationship and planning a life together, yet I'm just scared to have a second child with a new partner. I worry about how my little one will react and how a new baby might affect him. I'd love to have another child just so I can say I did, but obviously, I don't have a choice right now 🤷. It's a bit of a messy situation, but that's probably a conversation for another time. I hope it all works out...
. I didn't go for my blood work today; they told me to come back this Saturday instead. So, I'll head in early tomorrow morning. I'm hoping it won't be as crowded as it usually is on a weekday.

Getting blood drawn on Saturday? 😲 Where at?? That's great! 👍 I hope you get your results quickly. It took me a whole week to get mine back! 👎
You're still young, which is good. 😁
Don't rush into anything given the current situation with your boyfriend... As for the baby, it's nice for them to have a brother or sister. If everyone thought that way, everyone would have one child each... Having a sibling is wonderful! But that's really a different topic entirely!
Anyway, there's no huge rush then! Just relax, you're doing fine! 👍

Sandra Torres39 said:Do they draw blood on Saturdays? 😲 Where?? Awesome! 👍 Hope the results come back fast. It took me a whole week last time! 👎
You're young, you'll be fine. 😁
Don't go too hard when things are like this with him... Regarding kids, having a brother or sister is great. If everyone thought like that, we'd all just have one kid... Siblings are awesome! But that's a whole different story!
Anyway, there's no rush! Just chill, you're good! 👍

The lab in San Diego does blood draws on Saturdays (well, mostly for emergencies over the weekend), but man, they took three vials from me. Results should be ready by Monday, so I won't have to wait a full week. Thank God nobody was there, I didn't have to wait in line for two hours... 👍 So glad my period ended by Saturday, but I showed up and they sent me right back home because they told me I had to walk for at least an hour before testing my prolactin.. ughhh, I walked so much at 7 AM and it still wasn't enough 🙂 but hey, finally got that out of the way.. woohoo! Everything else is smooth sailing. I'll definitely post the results on Monday

I actually visited there quite a long time ago! 😁
That sounds wonderful!