Arimidex and return of menstruation

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Ikari
Ikari Member Posts: 40
edited October 2014 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

My period stopped after approx. 2nd round of chemo (2012) and I have had two blood tests since to determine estrogen and FSH levels.  I was deemed to be in menopause and switched from tamoxifen to Arimidex and have been on it since November 2013 (blood test showed I was not a good metaboliser of Tamoxifen).

A few weeks ago I had lower abdominal pain which I had a CT scan for which was clear.  Pap smear also clear.  Did not connect that a slight return in libido and lubrication could be connected to estrogen levels rising.  A few days ago I started spotting so have made an appointment to see breast surgeon to discuss.  Spotting is too heavy to be associated with Pap smear and appears like a very light period.  I understand that Arimidex is sometimes used to stimulate ovaries in fertility treatments.

Should I discontinue Arimidex until I have seen BS?  Am I increasing the production of estrogen in my ovaries by continuing to take it?  Also around this time I started to have chest pains at night - could this be related?

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  • Ikari
    Ikari Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2014

    Bump

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited October 2014

    Seems like a couple of different things could be going on.  For the chest pain, you should go to the ER if they return.  It could be related to indigestion, anxiety, or an emergency heart issue.  You need to at least rule out the most serious.

    I had cramps and bleeding like a short period years after menopause and 2 yrs on AIs.  My MO sent me to have hormone levels tested (neg) and my GYN examined me.  Likely only a bleeding polyp, which we've been watching.  Did you get a full vaginal exam or only a PAP?  

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  • Ikari
    Ikari Member Posts: 40
    edited October 2014

    The chest pain has been investigated before but the cause has never been found - it increased around the time signs estrogen was increasing so I thought maybe it could be related in some way.

    I only had a PAP as I was overdue for one anyway.

    At this point I would be surprised to find it is not my ovaries making a comeback with the increase in libido and lubrication.  

    My main concern at this point is whether it is safe to continue taking Arimidex - Ill try to contact the BS office for advice tomorrow.  I don't want to make things worse.

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  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited October 2014

    Yes, it could be your menstral cycle returning.  If your ovaries are working Arimidex will certainly be ineffective.  It cannot stop the production of estrogen by ovaries.    

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