when to worry - menopause vs unusual bleeding

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phoenix54
phoenix54 Member Posts: 223
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
Hi Everyone
i have been lurking and reading but not posting much. things have been pretty good overall as i am approaching the 2 year post treatment mark. (no chemo - but surgeries and rads but feeling overall pretty good) Made some great changes to my life - did a career transition to a new job which i am really enjoying, so much less stress and a very nice office.

however i have been having some bleeding that seems a bit odd.I am 53 years old and taking tamoxifen. i can't tell if it is menopause periods all over the map or breakthrough bleeding or something i should be worried about.
For the past year my periods have been quite irregular. (prior to BC very regular) i was watching things and felt that this was normal and due to my age. it seems like every 3 weeks +/- or so i get some bleeding that lasts a couple of days and then goes away. not lots but enought to notice in a panty line and be glad i am wearing one. and i would get an actual period every 4 -8 weeks as well. Well i got a monster period last monday (7 days ago) and thought things were pretty much over the past day or so and this morning - more bleeding. not lots but enough for a pantyliner and it is bright red not that darker red.

is this normal? should i be worried that this may be an issue with taking tamoxifen or is this just part of menopause. i am trying not to wonder at every issue that crops up and worry - what are the signs that i should worry?

thanks for your help
Barb
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  • sherloc
    sherloc Member Posts: 1,047
    edited September 2007

    Barb if you are premenopausal and taking tamoxifen it will wreak havoc with your periods. It WILL NOT put you in menopause. Only mimics the symptoms. Make sure you let your doc know about it.

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  • phoenix54
    phoenix54 Member Posts: 223
    edited September 2007
    thanks Shirley - today is day 10 after the start of my last period and there is still a bit of bleeding going on - minimal but still there.

    over the past month i have had some major trauma - my beloved dog had to be put down and i started a new job but still the bleeding this time was extra h eavy and still going on way too long. i have a drs appt for monday to see whats going on
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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited September 2007

    Tamoxifen does weird things. You could have a polyp or something.

    It might not be a bad idea to call your GYN and talk with him/her.  

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  • sherloc
    sherloc Member Posts: 1,047
    edited September 2007

    Barb, Rose is right. I should have specified your GYN. My experience was my onc didn't give one squat about my erratic cycle.

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