Did your period return after chemo?

rachelvk

I'm 5 months out and still waiting... and still hoping it returns. I don't like some of the early signs of menopause so far and would be perfectly happy to have to go back to dealing with my period for a few more years. Glad to see earlier posts that remind me it might take up to a year or so.

Nicole4

I am experiencing light spotting today, I wonder why this has to happen over weekends always.  Luckily I am going to see my doctor tomorrow morning, but I am very worried.  My onc has told me that he would order me a scan if I ever experience spotting.  I am 43 and on tamoxifen and almost a year after chemo.  My last herceptin was Dec 7/12

 I wonder if others have had  this?

LtotheK

Getting my period back this November 2 years and 2 months after chemo was emotionally complex.  First of all, I thought my 'roids were bleeding, I was in such denial, and I had cramps I thought were gas. Nope, a period.  I heal so, so, slowly, so this was in line for how I roll (hair took four months to come back).

I was 39 at diagnosis, and am now 2 years out.  I understand folks here are worried about speeding up the aging process and want their periods back, but some studies suggest it's precisely menopause that makes chemotherapy more effective (when it causes it) in young patients.  I'm under no illusions that this is a "good" thing per se.  Additionally, there are studies that show higher circulating estrogen is a risk factor for return. 

Waiting this month to see if it comes back.  I've put a few pieces together: crying about my cat who has been dead for more than a year, pimples for the first time in years, and chocolate insanity.  Forgot what I was missing ; )

comingtoterms

...but some studies suggest it's precisely menopause that makes chemotherapy more effective (when it causes it) in young patients.  I'm under no illusions that this is a "good" thing per se.  Additionally, there are studies that show higher circulating estrogen is a risk factor for return.

LtotheK..... Would you kindly share those studies?  Tammy

rachelvk

I'd be interested in whether this applies to ER- women as well. It will be a year pfc for me in March, and I still haven't had my period return (I turn 44 in about a week).

DonnsC

I was diagnosed October 2012. My mastectomy was December 2012. During those few months my period was sporadic at best, like every other month. I was 49 at the time of my diagnosis so my periods may have been getting ready to take a hike anyway but my chemo of taxotere and cytoxin started in March 2013 and I haven't seen a period since December, I only have 2 more round so I will be curious to see if my periods come back or if, in fact, this treatment has actually pushed my all the way into menopause like they say can happen.

DonnsC

I was diagnosed October 2012. My mastectomy was December 2012. During those few months my period was sporadic at best, like every other month. I was 49 at the time of my diagnosis so my periods may have been getting ready to take a hike anyway but my chemo of taxotere and cytoxin started in March 2013 and I haven't seen a period since December, I only have 2 more round so I will be curious to see if my periods come back or if, in fact, this treatment has actually pushed my all the way into menopause like they say can happen.