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Joey_36's avatar
Joey_36
Member
11 years ago

High Estrogen Levels

Hi Ladies,

After Mastectomy, Chemo and Rads I have been on Tamoxifen for the past 12 months for  early ER+ and PR+ breast cancer and have recently been experiencing some bleeding. Took myself off to the Specialist that found 2 substantial cysts, nothing to worry about apprently as they will go by themselves.

Of more concern to her was my extremely high estrogen levels on Tamoxifen and now we are talking shutting them down chemically or taking them out altogether. Has anyone heard of having high levels of Estrogen on Tamoxifen and if so does this then meant hat the drug has not been giving me the protection that I first thought?

Worried

Jo

chemotherapy
mastectomy
tamoxifen
  • Isabelle_51's avatar
    Isabelle_51
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Jo I wondered what your oncologist said about this and how high yours was. I've had the same issue but am still waiting to hear. Thanks!
  • Isabelle_51's avatar
    Isabelle_51
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Jo I wondered what your oncologist said about this and how high yours was. I've had the same issue but am still waiting to hear. Thanks!
  • Joey_36's avatar
    Joey_36
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks for your replies, what your saying does make sense. I'll check it out further at my oncologist visit and see what happens from there. Jo
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    My understanding is the same as Tonya. Tamoxifen works by preventing estrogen from combining with other cells, like any cancer cells that may occur. It does not stop estrogen from being produced but is very effective in preventing estrogen from being used by other cells. But I know my oncologist said that if my estrogen levels were high it is a good idea to do something about this. I am having a blood test to check this before my next appointment. Having high levels of estrogen does not mean that the tamoxifen has not been doing it's job. But I guess you do not want to give the tamoxifen too much estrogen to block from other cells. Try not to worry, it sounds like your oncologist is taking all the right action. Deanne xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    My understanding is the same as Tonya. Tamoxifen works by preventing estrogen from combining with other cells, like any cancer cells that may occur. It does not stop estrogen from being produced but is very effective in preventing estrogen from being used by other cells. But I know my oncologist said that if my estrogen levels were high it is a good idea to do something about this. I am having a blood test to check this before my next appointment. Having high levels of estrogen does not mean that the tamoxifen has not been doing it's job. But I guess you do not want to give the tamoxifen too much estrogen to block from other cells. Try not to worry, it sounds like your oncologist is taking all the right action. Deanne xxx
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago
    It can depend on your age and menopause status. If you are younger then it's possible to get a period back on Tamoxifen.If you are older and over menopause then any spotting needs checking whilst on Tamoxifen.Mind you,it's not uncommon to have spotting whenever you start or stop Tamoxifen.If not menopausal then you will have oestrogen circulating.Tamoxifen blocks oestrogen from entering any breast cancer cells which need this hormone to grow.So I would think it's doing it's job but I am no expert so maybe you need more indepth explanation from your specialist.Try not to worry because Tamoxifen is very effective against our type of breast cancer. Tonya xx