OS & AI Question

Rambros

For those of you getting lupron or zoladex shots, did your MO keep testing your FSH/LH/Estradiol levels before he/she would prescribe an AI? My MO has me on tamoxifen until all 3 levels show that I'm post menopausal but I'm wondering if most people are able to start on an AI as soon as they start their OS shots? Just trying to find out what other MO's do since I don't think my MO has many (any?)other young BC patients getting OS shots. Thanks!

ElaineTherese

Hi!

My MO started me on Zoladex and Aromasin at the same time. Of course, I was 47 at the time and my periods stopped half-way through chemo and didn't come back afterwards. (OB-GYN says that my ovaries might already be fried by the chemo.) The plan is to do Zoladex for 2.5 years and then to test my FSH/LH/Estradiol levels when I'm 50 (OB-GYN says that the average age of menopause is 51.) If I'm menopausal at that point, we'll stop the Zoladex and just keep going with the Aromasin.

Rambros

Thanks, it's helpful to hear how other MO's handle this. I'm 37 and haven't had a period since I started chemo in January. My estradiol level is in post menopausal range, but not LH or FSH so my MO told me to stay on Tamoxifen for now. I'm anxious to get started on an AI though and wonder how much longer I should wait

pboi

I started Lupron and then started Arimidex one week later. I have seen many others start them together or taken them one week apart like I did. Iwas in chemopause when I started. I asked about having my levels checked but both GYN and MO said it wasn't necessary. I'm 43. After 3 Lupron injections, I had an oophorectomy.

I wish they would have checked as I've heard if your ovaries aren't fully suppressed and you take an AI it can cause more estrogen to be produced somehow. But I'm glad my ovaries are gone now so I don't have to worry about that, and glad to be done with the shots.

I think it's a good idea to have your levels checked to make sure that you are really post menopausal before starting an AI.

PB

Rambros

Thanks, and good to read that you are happy you had a oophorectomy. I will be having one (or a full hysterectomy) next year sometimeafter my exchange surgery.