I have my Oncologist puzzled - Oestrogen has increase post menopause

pjaz
pjaz Member Posts: 2
edited October 29 in Newly diagnosed
Hello lovelies.  This is my first post so my story first - apologies if I don't have all the medico lingo down just yet.  I am 53 years old and went through menopause in 2021. Diagnosed 02.09.24 with ER+98%, PR+95%,  HER2-, 30mm tumour in my right breast which I found in the shower.  Mastectomy 19.09.24 - 2 nodes removed which were both clear, Grade 3, staged as 1B.  Had a seroma, but otherwise all went well.  Saw my oncologist 3 weeks post op and he recommended 4 rounds of Chemo based on the Grade 3.  We opted for the Genome test and my score came back at 14 - so no Chemo for me.  

Bring on the hormone blockers.  My oncologist opted to confirm my menopause status by blood test as he said AI's can do harm if pre-menopausal.  Saw him today and he told me I have him puzzled.  He got records from a 2022 blood test that my oestrogen level then, was 50.  My oestrogen level on the test I had last week is 169.  Still in menopause level but he is erring on the side of caution and has put me on Tamoxifen for now with another blood test in 3 months time.

We have no idea what has caused this.  I have never sought nor asked for prescription oestrogen products.  I don't eat Soy.  Any ideas out there?  

Comments

  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,081
    Hi @pjaz - sorry to see you join our select little group!   

    Great that the Genome test means you don't need to do chemo! WIN! 

    Re your hormone levels - it took me the best part of 10 years go get thru menopause - so it is possible that your hormone levels just haven't 'settled' yet .... and the body can still manufacture some hormones too - which is why they give us the AI meds to stop them after Menopause.

    I hope you're recovering well from your surgery xx

    take care    
  • MrsMorrisey
    MrsMorrisey Member Posts: 88
    I always find it really strange that doctors can have differing opinions. I was  told that blood tests for menopause are often incorrect. Seeing that your bloods are inconsistent the drs choice for Tamoxifen is wise as it can be a pre/peri/post menopausal drug. Maybe your body is just working it all out after the trauma of the surgery. Our bodies are complex beings  
  • pjaz
    pjaz Member Posts: 2
    Thank you ladies for your comments.  It puts my mind at rest that this could happen for a while.  I will wait and see what happens in 3 months time with the next blood test.