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Inconsistent hcg levels/NOTpregnant w/other symptoms
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An_247780 posted:
First background- 24yr old female. I had an abnormal pap and was told by my gyno that I had HPV when I was about 19.

I have had all normal paps since then. My periods have been out of whack until earlier this year when I changed my diet and began exercising and now my period have been regular for about 8 months.

Last month, a few days after my period I began spotting. The consistency changed from bright red to brown to clear and brownish red and the amount was only enough to see when I wiped and the spotting has continued for about a month now.

This past week I've had cramps and some sharp pains on my right side and went to get a blood test done. My Dr said I had low levels of hcg and wanted another blood test. The second test determined the hcg levels were not consistent with pregnancy and she ordered a pelvic ultrasound.

My concerns are that I have ovarian cancer or cysts. Please tell me how common these symptoms are or what they might be a symptom of? I am very worried especially since I very much want to conceive and know that if I do have this disease then a baby will be very difficult to have.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Inconsistent hcg levels/NOTpregnant w/other symptomsFirst background- 24yr old female. I had an abnormal pap and was told by my gyno that I had HPV when I was about 19.<br /><br /> I have had all normal paps since then. My periods have been out of whack until earlier this year when I changed my diet and began exercising and now my period have been regular for about 8 months.<br /> <br />Last month, a few days after my period I began spotting. The consistency changed from bright red to brown to clear and brownish red and the amount was only enough to see when I wiped and the spotting has continued for about a month now. <br /><br />This past week I've had cramps and some sharp pains on my right side and went to get a blood test done. My Dr said I had low levels of hcg and wanted another blood test. The second test determined the hcg levels were not consistent with pregnancy and she ordered a pelvic ultrasound. <br /><br />My concerns are that I have ovarian cancer or cysts. Please tell me how common these symptoms are or what they might be a symptom of? I am very worried especially since I very much want to conceive and know that if I do have this disease then a baby will be very difficult to have.
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Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: You could have a transient ovarian cyst which is causing your pain and erratic spotting. These do not have a major impact on fertility. Chronic, persisting, multiple ovarian cysts on both ovaries is consistent with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Without treatment, PCOS can make it harder to conceive because it interferes with ovulations.

Very low levels of HCG are not seen in PCOS, an ovarian cyst, or ovarian cancer. There is a VERY rare form of cancer which will produce elevated HCG levels. My best GUESS is that the ultrasound is to check for a transient ovarian cyst or any other abnormal findings in the pelvis.

Please, please be sure that you have a follow up visit with the GYN after your ultrasound results are available. They should be able to tell you more about the cause of the right sided pain and low levels of HCG.

Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Inconsistent hcg levels/NOTpregnant w/other symptomsDear An: You could have a transient ovarian cyst which is causing your pain and erratic spotting. These do not have a major impact on fertility. Chronic, persisting, multiple ovarian cysts on both ovaries is consistent with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Without treatment, PCOS can make it harder to conceive because it interferes with ovulations. <br /><br />Very low levels of HCG are not seen in PCOS, an ovarian cyst, or ovarian cancer. There is a VERY rare form of cancer which will produce elevated HCG levels. My best GUESS is that the ultrasound is to check for a transient ovarian cyst or any other abnormal findings in the pelvis.<br /><br />Please, please be sure that you have a follow up visit with the GYN after your ultrasound results are available. They should be able to tell you more about the cause of the right sided pain and low levels of HCG.<br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
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