Tamoxifen & Periods

NotVeryBrave
NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
edited October 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I'm wondering about others experiences with periods while on Tamoxifen. I was 50 when I was diagnosed and was not really showing any signs of heading into menopause. Then chemo came along and within two months I was plunged into a complete lack of hormones - no more periods, almost hourly hot flashes, absolutely no lubrication of anything, etc. I was told that the closer you are to menopause, the more likely that you'll stay in chemo-induced menopause.

So five months after chemo ended, I got the tiniest bit of vaginal discharge back. And promptly worried about the amount of estrogen in my body! So I started the Tamoxifen that the MO wanted me to be on.

It's been a month now. And a couple of days ago I was sure that I was going to get a period - cramping, increased discharge, tired, heaviness in my legs. Like the worst period symptoms of a heavy day in my old life but no bleeding. Lasted just that day.

My MO said yesterday that it's possible that my cycle is trying to come back and the Tamoxifen is inhibiting it. That some women have very light periods while on it. So light that they never actually bleed? I'm trying to figure out what to expect.

I know we're all different, but what has been the experience with others in a similar situation?


· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited October 2017

    Hi,

    We started the pill about the same time in Sept and I'm 51. I was reg with my periods for years. Had one last month. I'm due yest/today. Feel like it also, but haven't gotten it yet. I have complete brain fog lately and feel the back pain but no period. I have a feeling it's going to be a wonky ride. Not sure what to expect. I'll be following your post to see what kind of responses you get.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ErenTo
    ErenTo Member Posts: 343
    edited October 2017

    I was 39 at diagnosis and my period was persistent almost until the end of chemo, but then it stopped. I went on tamoxifen right after chemo, and 9 months later period came back and it was kind of normal. Being high risk I wasn't thrilled so asked to be put on zoladex. I believe a lot of women have irregular periods while on tamoxifen.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jojo9999
    jojo9999 Member Posts: 202
    edited October 2017

    I started tamox at 51 and my very regular periods stopped. Had a few almost-periods over the next 2.5 years, often felt my self trying to ovulate - also coincided with disappearance of hot flashes. Tamox caused ovarian cysts for me - it is actually a fairly common side effect - good to have an annual ultrasound to check ovaries and uterine lining while on tamox. I recently stopped tamox at age 54 and just got a period! my body is trying to return to its old normal.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited October 2017

    I am a lot younger so nowhere near menopause, but after a couple months of tamoxifen my periods are about 6 weeks apart instead of 4 like before. Otherwise they are normal. I have had symptoms that make me think I might get cysts that come and go...every time I start thinking of making a gyn appointment it goes away. I have my yearly gyn exam in a couple of weeks so will see what she says.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited October 2017

    Well, got mine this am. Few days later than usual but it's here. Not knowing if and when it will show is going to be a pain. Feel like im 14 again...

    2nd time since starting Tamox. Be interesting to see if it will be shorter or any changes.


    edited to add last sentence

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KH17
    KH17 Member Posts: 15
    edited October 2017

    I was diagnosed as I was turning 51. Regular periods, no signs of menopause. Started tamoxifen the beginning of June and after 3 months of continued regular cycles my period suddenly stopped and has not (yet?) returned. No other symptoms of menopause at least that I am aware of.

    I was told after a year of no periods, once menopause was confirmed (?),I would be switched to an AI.

    For those close to but not yet in menopause at the time of your diagnosis, curious to know if your doctors tested your hormone levels when you started tamoxifen?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2017

    They have not tested any hormone levels on me. The plan is to test after one year of no periods to confirm menopause. And then probably switch to an AI.

    I still have not had periods return since chemo. I fairly frequently feel like maybe I will start - cramping, heaviness, backache. It's pretty annoying since I worry it will start up and be heavy and I won't be prepared.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited October 2017

    Please take my view w grain of salt.

    I am 47 and menopausal per FSH and Estradiol level done recently.

    Have not had period since 04/02/17

    Took tamox for 6 days only to see how my body reacts even though had to stop for almost two consecutive surgeries

    I spotted twice during 6 day period.

    I got a consolation that I may not have that much SE to AI which I will start very soon after total hyst scheduled this coming Monday.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2017

    Can I ask why you're getting the total hysterectomy? Curious ...


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited October 2017

    Sudden Bilateral BC dx after 10 plus yrs of mammo

    Very similar med history to mom- thyroid, ovarian and BC me thyroid followed by BC i am 100% ER pos

    Genetic test - PTEN which is thyroid, ovarian BC kidney colon to name a few


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2017

    That's scary! I'm glad you are reducing your risks further by having the surgery. Best of luck to you for Monday!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited October 2017

    Sounds like you are doing everything you can Castigame. Good to be proactive in your case. I hope the surgery goes well for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories