chemopause vs menopause -- any difference?

Kayleigh3483
Kayleigh3483 Member Posts: 131
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Hi,

I posted this on the hormone thread but thought I might get some more responses here. 

 Had one period after 1st round of chemo (ACT) -- none since.  I have 6 more weeks left of Taxotere.

I was not even perimenopausal at diagnosis.  But due to a genetic blood clotting issue I can't do Tamoxifen, so instead they will ablate my ovaries and give me Armidex when I've finished chemo.

I have to say, the chemopause symptoms have been practically nonexistent (thankfully)...will full tilt chemically induced menopause be much different?

Any insight or experiences would be most appreciated. 

 TIA!

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Comments

  • carolsd
    carolsd Member Posts: 358
    edited April 2010

    I was diagnosed at age 41, pre-menopausal. Stage 1, grade undetermined. I had 4 rounds of A/C. After the first chemo I stopped having periods. After the 4th round, as my body began to recover, I started having hot flashes, which I recognized to be menopause symptoms. They'd last a few months, and then I would cycle back into having periods. For the last 5+ years I've cycled in and out of menopause. I don't know how much the chemo played a role in that; I'm sure it jump-started the process.

    I can't speak to your experience as I didn't have my ovaries ablated. I'm sure everyone's experience is different. I wish you the best.

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  • jancie
    jancie Member Posts: 2,631
    edited April 2010

    I was 48 at diagnoses.  Had been having hot flashes here and there for a couple of years but was not in menopause yet.  After my 2nd round of A/C I stopped having periods.  That was 1 year ago and they haven't come back.  Now that I am 50 - I doubt I will get them back.  I am on Tamoxifen - I will have to say the hot flashes have gotten worse at night but more than anything the mood swings can get really nasty.  Ask my dh - he can tell you all about my mood swings!  It a wonder that we can sleep in the same bed together since I want it freezing cold and he goes to bed with sweatshirts and sweatpants on.

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