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MsD's avatar
MsD
Member
10 years ago

Has anyone had bleeding while on Femara/Letrozole ??

Hi all,

It's been a long time since I have posted, however I just wanted to post a question in regards to the new medication I have recently started.  I started tamoxifen in April 2104, My Oncologist did a blood test checking my hormone levels at the start of September this year 2105, as I hadn't had my period since December 2103 during chemo treatment (over 20 months.) He said the blood test indicated I was now post menopause, I assume because of chemo and my age nearing 50.  So I stopped taking tamoxifen and started Letrozole ( I think also know as Femara)  on the 3rd of September this year, so about 6 weeks now.  I was quite alarmed on the weekend when I started bleeding, not spotting, but like a period. After having no period for nearly two years I was rather worried.  I rang the breast care nurse on Monday and she spoke to my Oncologist who indicated this is one of the side effects of the new drug.  The strange thing though is that I had all the symptons of when I used to get my period, back ache headache and being emotional.  I was just wondering is this normal, and has anyone else had a similar experience?  My oncologist said to see how it goes and perhaps visit a Gp?  Should I be alarmed by this or not?  Would appreciate any feedback at all.  Thanking you & lots of love to you all oxoxox

4 Replies

  • MsD's avatar
    MsD
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello Ladies, thank you both so much for your replies.  That is the thing that concerns me most after doing some research, perhaps I am not completely menopausal.  If this is the case then I am not getting  protection from the letrozole.  The Oncologist said I was, after doing one blood test. So I am not sure what to do now, I feel a bit in limbo, as he said it is the medication causing the bleeding .  Today is the 5th day of bleeding, only a little bit now, but it was just like a period.  Perhaps I should ring the breast care nurses and get a second opinion from another oncologist?  I am going to the GP tomorrow, although I don't know what she will recommend. xx

  • Heather72's avatar
    Heather72
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi MSD 

    I think you need to see a health professional as when  having periods then there is estrogen in your system and that is an increase risk in the cancer coming back. So I would not sit on it sometimes we need to stand up and say I am not happy with wait and see it is your health and it needs to be investigated, if it is a concern to you.

     

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi MSD, I was on Tamoxifen for 2.5yrs before I was switched over to Arimidex as my blood tests for hormone levels were showing I was post-menopausal. I was only on Arimidex for a month when I had a similar situation; bleeding + usual period symptoms, although the bleeding was only for 1 day. My oncologist decided to put me back on Tamoxifen in case I wasn't actually post-menopausal (apparently there can be fluctuations in hormone levels that can give false blood test readings) for a further 6 months and then reassess. She also sent me for a pelvic ultrasound (for the reasons Tonya set out) and thankfully these results were clear. I'm also to see my gynaecologist in a week or so to check everything is OK - hopefully this is just over-caution on my oncologist's behalf! So, have been back on Tamoxifen now for a couple of months and no further bleeding at present, so who knows, it may have just been my body adjusting to the new drug but my oncologist felt it was better for me to go back to Tamoxifen in case. Hope this helps. Jane xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi MSD, I can't speak for Femara but over many years of taking Tamoxifen I've had bleeding whenever I've stopped  this drug.Tamoxifen affects the lining of the uterus - it can thicken, get cysts etc.Each time I stopped it( for various reasons) I'd bleed/spot for about 2mths.However,I'd still go and get it checked out with a pelvic ultrasound just to be on the safe side because this drug can cause uterine cancer. I'm sure you'll be fine and it'll stop soon so don't worry but ask your doc for a pelvic ultsd if you haven't  had one. Tonya xx