Confusion and frustration

I had my diagnosis and treatment at a similar time to you.  Diagnosis in January 2013 and chemo from February to June 2013.  I had a right side mastectomy in January 2013 for Invasive Lobular cancer. 

I was 55 at the time and had been having periods up until my second chemotherapy treatment.  Following chemotherapy, my oncologist took my estrogen levels in a blood test and determined I was post-menopausal ie low levels of estrogen. She put me onto Arimidex (an Aromatase Inhibitor) in July 2013.  In August, I got twinges that I could feel in my ovaries and had another period. I had a pelvic ultrasound which confirmed that I still had activity in my ovaries and that my endometrium was at pre-menopausal thickness. My estrogen levels went 'sky high'. I was then switched to Tamoxifen as I was pre-menopausal/peri-menopausal.

What I have since discovered is that the Aromatase Inhibitors stimulate the production of FSH which is a signal to the ovaries to work. This, in my case, stimulated my ovaries into action, producing a period. Interestingly, Aromatase Inhibitors, as well as being a treatment for breast cancer, are used as a fertility treatment. 

I also discovered that menopause is usually defined as a year following the last period. I am now coming up to that time and will look at going back onto an Aromatase Inhibitor as they are more effective for the Invasive Lobular cancer that I have.  

I hope this is helpful.  Anna