Tamoxifen and Spotting - premenopausal

jmfl

I am confused about whether it is a problem to have spotting when you are on Tamoxifen and are premenopausal.

I have been on it for 3.5 years with some side effects but they were manageable (hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps). I did not have chemo so never stopped my period. My cycles have been regular with normal bleeding since I had my Mirena removed a few weeks after diagnosis.

Now all of sudden last month my period was about a week late, but then normal. Except I have been spotting pale pink several times a week now for the last month. 

I made an appointment to see my gyn but the first available was May 3. Should I try to get in sooner? If the spotting stops before then is it ok to cancel?

I really don't want to have to have a bunch of tests right now unless absolutely necessary. But don't want to take chances either.

Julie

Anonymous

 spotting and irregular periods are very common and normal while on tamoxifen. My oncologist told me 25% will continue with regular periods, 50% will have irregular periods, and 25% will stop periods all together. the thing to watch out for is very heavy abnormal bleeding.

Anne 

voraciousreader

I respectfully disagree. Time to see your gyno. Did you tell the appointment desk you were taking Tamoxifen? If not, I would call back and tell them and have them schedule your appointment sooner. You will need a transvaginal ultrasound. It doesn't sound serious... But ANY staining needs to be examined.

jmfl

Yes, I did say I was taking Tamoxifen but then she asked me if I was pregnant so I suspect she doesn't know what Tamoxifen is, given that it is contraindicated during pregnancy.

I'll probably wait until May 3 unless it gets worse. 

I've resigned myself to the ultrasound and probably a biopsy. Better safe than sorry, right?

Cancer .... the gift that keeps on giving.

Julie

kle

I'm also 3 1/5 years on Tamoxifen and perimenopausal.  So my period for the past year has thrown everything at me..Long ones, heavy ones, light ones none, to often !!  I saw the gyno and had the ultrasound etc just to be sure.  The Doctor and I think it is a mix of perimenopause and the tamoxifen..so I just keep the gyno in the loop, then I feel better that nothing is a miss!  You;ll feel better too after you see the Dr.

kle

michelle1230

Please contact your gyno.  I just started having spotting and during my recent gyno appointment (this week) I told her what was going on; I'm a little concerend that she has me scheduled for an ultrasound and possible bioposy.  But know its best to have it checked and figured out ... I wouldnt wait ...

oceangirl654

I also am on tamoxifen, premenopausal, and have been spotting daily for a week since my period stopped. I am pretty sure the gynecologist and the oncologist both told me that you have to be bleeding heavily every day if you're premenopausal, to be worried about uterine cancer. Postmenopausal is different because if you haven't bled for years and then you even just have spotting, that is a concern. This is what I think but I'm not 100% sure so it is very annoying. I absolutely DO NOT want to get a uterine biopsy if it's not necessary. Some doctors will just do it for the heck of it which is ridiculous because it's a painful procedure and we've been poked enough in delicate places. I hope we can figure out whether this symptom is a concern or not.