menopause/hormones/something else?

Trikki2

Hi lovelies,
Well I have been Cancer free for 3 years, having my Cancerversary. During that time I had a bleed (period) 12months after chemo, had an investigation, your not in Menopause, no worries, again 12months i have a period again, only a day but have the bad headaches and pain and one month later small bleed, headaches again. I have a referral for a scan. My dr says my last bloods showed menopause, oncologist says menopause, specialist says no menopause, I'm so tired. My last mamogram and scan showed enlarged nodes, perhaps linked to COVID jab waiting 6mths for another scan. 
Has anyone been like this? it is always good to have a little insight. 
xxxx Trikki2

iserbrown

Here's a link that may help 

https://www.bcna.org.au/bcna-welcomes-new-resource-for-women-with-induced-menopause-after-breast-cancer/

Trikki2

thank you xxx

arpie

Sorry @Trikki2 - no suggestions other than getting checked out .... how old are you?  Your FSH levels in your blood test will show whether you are in menopause or not ....  (Sometimes, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels are measured to confirm menopause. When a woman's FSH blood level is consistently elevated to 30 mIU/mL or higher, and she has not had a menstrual period for a year, it is generally accepted that she has reached menopause.)

The fact you've had a couple of bleeds a year apart would certainly indicate menopause ..... how long since you've had a CT or MRI?  Maybe ask for one, for peace of mind? xx

 ..... and Maybe ask the specialist why they say 'no' for menopause??  In writing!! So you can show it to your GP and Onc!!

Take care & all the best - I hope the headaches stop!! xx

Trikki2

Thanks so much, I'm 47. I haven't had an mri for 3 years. I'm having an internal ultrasound hopefully next week. Thanks for the insight xx
Trikki2

arpie

Definitely request SOME sort of scan - just to preclude other issues.  The headaches shouldn't be happening, IMO!  (If it was an MRI, they can compare it with the previous one as a 'starting point of reference'!)

It could easily be menopause - there can even be 'heart attack' symptoms too that are from hormone levels dropping ..... I started menopause in my very early 40s & it took nearly 10 years before I was 'thru it'!  There are the mental issues too .... the depression, sometimes anger/rage that is also associated with the drop in hormone levels ..... seriously, if I'd had a knife in my hands, some days, I may have been dangerous!   

I read The Wisdom of Menopause by Christianne Northrupp some years ago - you can get it as an ebook - and the very first chapter - I was saying - yep that's me, that too, that too .......  Understanding it helps 'beating it'!

take care & I hope you get some answers that make sense xx

Trikki2

Oh wow that was super helpful. Oh the stuff we have to go through, driving me insane. I do feel all over the place. I appreciate you sharing. I am going to have a look for that book. Cheers and love xx

TonyaM

Hi @Trikki2,
Menopause doesn’t happen overnight
My periods started ‘mucking up’ at 47 and it took 5yrs to get through it.I’d go without them for a year and then they’d come back.I think it’s official when you haven’t had a period for 2yrs. Sometimes if you stop or start Tamoxifen,you can have spotting which is normal but you’ll be sent for a pelvic ultrasound anyway.I’d always get headaches with a period and menopause gave me hot flushes, sleepless nights,irritability and low mood.(so did Tamoxifen) Fun times!
I have heard of some people getting enlarged lymph nodes from the Covid vaccine- I didn’t.I’m not sure if you mean underarm lymph were enlarged or neck nodes? If it were my underarm nodes,I’d probably ask to have them ultrasounded again in 3mths time,ie before Christmas! 

Afraser

@Trikki2
Good luck with the ultrasound. As the above comments show, menopause comes in an endless variety of symptoms. My periods simply trickled away and then I had one heavy bleed. My GP happily described it as ‘one last hurrah’ but sent me for an ultrasound just in case. All fine, end of menopause. Always wise to check . Best wishes. 

Trikki2

Yes I'm a hormonal mess lol. Thanks heaps. I do not miss my period, but I don't like this sneaky bleed on occasions 
Xx