Periods Returning after Tamoxofen

Cheshire

Hi,
I completed 10 years of Tamoxifen in November 2020. My periods had stopped in March 2020 and had been irregular for the past 3 years with breaks between periods of up to 3 months sometimes. They originally had stopped during chemo but returned after I finished treatment and I always had periods whilst on tamoxifen and my oncologist wasn't worried. My oncologist had told me I was in Menopause when they had stopped altogether and she was surprised I lasted so long without entering menopause as I was 36 on diagnosis. I finished with my oncologist in November after 10 years. But in December my periods returned and are regular every month since. I am just wondering as my breast cancer was Oestrogen positive and I have no tamoxifen to help with levels; is it safe to have periods. I had a left side mastectomy with no lymph involvement; HER2+, ER+ PR+, but still have my right breast. Would love some advice as I cannot call my oncologist anymore.

Moderators

Hi Cheshire, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

Thank you for posting to reach out to our Community. We're sure others will be by shortly to weigh in with their thoughts and experiences.

We are wondering why you feel you can't call your oncologist? It might be worth a shot.

Let us know what you find out!

--The Mods

AmyCinny

Hi Cheshire,

I'm sorry you believe you can't call your oncologist to ask, so I recommend you talk to your gynecologist.

My experience isn't exactly the same as yours, but my oncologist also believed - and told me - that I was on the cusp of menopause when I started Tamoxifen. However, I continued to menstruate for another ten years - both on and off Tamoxifen.

My lesson is that oncologists are NOT the experts when it comes to understanding menstrual cycles.

Based on my personal history with Tamoxifen, anastrazole, and exemestane, I've also learned that as much as I want my oncologist to KNOW, some of us are simply too different from the masses and will always be exceptions to the generally accepted "wisdom." It's uncomfortable and often unsettling, but all I can do is cope the best I can.

Bottom line, if you have questions, you should seek answers.

Good luck.

Cheshire

Hi Amcinny & The Mods

Thanks for the information. I will contact my GP and get her advice and go from there. As I am finished with my Oncologist I am signed off and cannot contact her. I have no complaints about her; she was very good to me for the 10 years she was my Doctor. Thanks for the help. I will let you know how I get on

Regards

Cheshire