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Deanne's avatar
Deanne
Member
11 years ago

Periods returning while on Tamoxifen

Has anyone else had their periods return after thinking that chemo had put them into early menopause? I have not had a period since chemo (August, 2013) put a stop to them at the age of 47. My oncologist told me that at my age chemo induced menopause is usually permanent but suddenly after almost 20 months of no periods I seem to be having one.

Have all the usual symptoms including some fairly uncomfortable cramps and bloating. At 49 I was thinking this was all behind me and now am not sure what is happening. Have an appointment with my oncologist this Thursday and an appointment with a gynecologist next week to hopefully work out what my body and hormones are up to. Am just wondering if anyone else has had this happen? Deanne xxx

tamoxifen

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  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Tonya, Love that - getting checked if we sneeze! Yes my period has been heavy and the cramps much worse than I had before!! I am keen to rule out anything sinister and hope that it is just an erratic period that won't require anything dramatic! Getting checked will be reassuring (I hope). Good to hear that this not necessarily unusual for 'us'! :)
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Deanne, the same thing has happened to a few ladies (your age)in my bc group. I guess you are in the peri menopause age bracket and so it's possible to have erratic periods.The ladies reckon Tamoxifen makes them heavier. Every time I've had spotting on Tamoxifen,I've been sent for a pelvic ultrasound.I'm wondering if your GP could order this for you so that you have the results to take to your gynea?maybe hormone blood levels too? My perimenopause went from 47 yrs to 54 yrs. during that time, my periods were heavy and erratic but gradually went to 3mthly then 6mthly.I didn't have chemo with my first bc bout(47yrs).Ofcourse we are all different but I don't think your situation is unusual. Still,you have to be checked.Us bc girls get checked if we sneeze! Tonya xx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Marg, I hope things are going well for you. Yes, I will be hoping that it is not endometrial cancer, anything would be preferable to that but that is why I have made appointments ASAP. I guess having extra estrogen floating around the system is also a problem for me too. Whatever it turns out to be I think getting it sorted sooner rather than later will be for the best. Deanne xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Paula Training is going pretty well, although I still worry about whether I will be fit enough!! Good to hear that your GP said it would not be out of the question to have a period after treatment. I have also read that Tamoxifen can cause issues with the lining of the uterus. Not sure what will be the best case scenario to hope for. Guess I can't change anything, just see what they think and follow the advice of the doctors. :)
  • margiemoo's avatar
    margiemoo
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Deanne

    My oncologist told me that my periods MIGHT come back and not to be surprised if they did, but apparently one of the side effects of tamoxifen can be endometrial cancer so her advice was that if I got bleeding to see her or my GP to check its not endometrial cancer requiring a D & C but probably it would just be my periods coming back. Be interested what your oncologist tells you. 

    that is just what my oncologist told me as they have to tell you the risks however slight the risk is. 

    Let us know how you go. fingers crossed. 

     

    Marg xx

     

     

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Deanne, my first diagnosis was at 47. I remember my GP saying to me after I had finished treatment that I shouldn't be surprised if I suddenly get a period out of the blue. I was peri menopausal before treatment. Having a period say every 3 months. However the recurrence the following year and more chemo probably put paid to all that. At least you aren't in Nepal. Hope the training going well. Good luck with your appointments  will be Interested to hear what Dr says. Another thought and as I am triple neg and have never taken tamoxifen am no expert but I worked with a lady who had bleeding issues whilst on Tamoxifen, something to do with it affecting lining of uterus.  If that were the case it has been a while before it happened so maybe not  

    take care  

    Paula x

     

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago

    Yes, it is certainly a surprise I could have done without! It will be interesting to see what my oncologist says and I hope that I can get it sorted quickly. With only just over a month to go before I am supposed to start my trek this is a real bummer! Still I am glad that it has happened now rather than in Nepal! Will let you know how I go with the oncologist. :) xxx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    Goodness Deanne,that's a surprise that you could do without!!!I can't comment as I was in menopause when I was diagnosed,but I am wondering if the fact that you have worked so hard on your fitness and health could have something to do with it.So many ladies struggle to get back to where they were before diagnosis,but you have improved on your health.I am interested to know what your oncologist says.Cheers Robyn