Zoladex

Johnsmom, My reasoning for being put on Zoladex is similar to what you mention, but I didn't have chemo. At the time of my dx I hadn't had a menstrual cycle in four years. This was 9 months ago & although I was only 44 at the time, my blood worked showed me to be postmenopausal. Due to another medical condition I can't take tamoxifin & have to be on an AI. To ensure that my ovaries truly are inactive & stay that way, my MO wanted to do the monthly Zoladex injections. I not only spoke to my MO about this, but also got feedback from my gynecologist & my gynecological oncologist (who was following me at the time for a gynecological issue). Both gynos said for me that Zoladex was a choice as is ovary removal if/ when I choose. To date Ive had 3 injections. Ive had an adverse reaction to either Arimidex, Zoladez, or both so I don't feel comfortable telling you how the injections make me feel. I can say, however, that Ive iced my stomach injection site & have not had any pain, swelling, etc. When receiving the injection. I agree with the moderators to discuss this further with your doctor. I now regret the type of radiation therapy I had. You can always ask your doctor more questions before you choose therapy. Best wishes!

Hey johnsmum68, my oncologist told me that if you go on a aromasin inhibitor without zoladex and were originally premenopausal prior to chemo then it can actually have the opposite desired effect, that is it increases estrogen from the ovaries. That is why it has to be given to premenopausal women in combination with zoladex or equivalent to make sure the ovaries have properly been shut down.

However since you have entered the menopause through chemo, I can only imagine they have given you zoladex to make sure 100%. There have been cases of people thinking they entered the menopause through chemo, only to get their periods 6 months or a year after treatment. I guess this way they know that the AL is working properly and combined with zoladex it is actually reducing estrogen throughout your body.

Hi!

I was 46 when I was diagnosed, and I was definitely premenopausal then. I began chemo on July 23, 2014, and had my last period in September 2014. After my lumpectomy, MO and I decided to go with Zoladex + aromasin due to the results from the SOFT study. I don't really have many side effects from this regimen except for hot flashes and moodiness. Over the past year, my hot flashes have become less frequent and dramatic. I got rid of the moodiness with Celexa. I talked to my OB/GYN about ovary removal, but he generally doesn't recommend it unless there are actual problems with the ovaries, like cysts and the like. He says that women who keep their ovaries tend to live longer. He suggested that we do an estrodiol test at age 51 (the average age of menopause), and see what that shows. I'm now 48; that means three more years of Zoladex. I really don't mind; it takes 10 minutes to get the injection and I get to say "Hi" to my old chemo nurses. So, I'm OK with it.