Period and Tamoxifen

[Kristen]

Hi Everybody and Dr Leo....

I am wondering who of you that are on tamoxifen and got their periods back. I have been on it for 15 months and had not had a period since 7/03. I went for my six month check at my GYN and she was running a baseline pelvic ultrasound and it showed I had cysts. She watched and they did go away. She also ran that blood test that determines where you are as far as menopausal status. It came back that I was Pre-menopausal, which surpised her because I had not had a period in 15 months, but at the same time when she did the ultrasound, it did show signs of ovarian activity. Then two days later I got my period!!! and three weeks after that I got it again.

I am 43 and don't really want it back, and would really just like to have my ovaries and uterus out because of all the increased risk of cancer. I go back to my GYN in February to discuss this removal of these pesky organs!

Did any of you women get your period back after being in "chemo" pause?

Also, My ocon was going to switch me after two years to one of the newer drugs. I guess she was assuming that I would stay post-menopausal. Now I guess I can't get on one of the better drugs...right??

Any ideas here would be greatly appreciated. Dr Leo, any input on having your period back while on tamoxifen would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
kristen

[Muttsmom]

Hi Kristen,
I was 43 when dx. The onco thought I would get my periods back about 6 months after I finished chemo. I didn't, so he did the lab work and chemo did put me into MENTALpause, so I switched from Tamoxifen to Arimidex. I was "thinking" (dangerous for me to do these days) that someone had said they could give you meds to put you into menopause, and therefore you could take Arimidex or Femara or which ever one they were going to put you on.
I orignally asked for my ovaries to be removed based on my age, stage, etc. but after looking at my case, family history, said that it would not be of benefit. I thought getting every bit of estrogen/progesterine out of me couldn't do anything but help...... there I go thinking again.... lol
I'm sure Leo can tell you more. Best wishes
Nancy

[Kristen]

Hi Nancy,

I know I have heard of women that go on lupron shots but to tell you the truth, I don't really want to put one more thing in my body. So right now its either removal of ovaries or stay on the tamoxifen. Other than the ovarian cysts, (which may be enough to get the ovaries out) I have not had any problems at all with the tamoxifen.
You are lucky you did not get your period back, I really really thought I was done with that!
I guess I also want to just make sure that getting your period back is OK, I seem to be getting every 3 to 3 1/2 weeks, which is nothing like I use to get. I use to get it 4 to 4 1/2 weeks.
Thanks everybody for responding.
Kristen

[leo]

Kristen,

Both things can happen, as reported by other forum readers as well: menopause can be reversible or not. But I understand that if one is not at great risk of having other GYN tumors, with strong family history and or BRCA 1 or 2 carrier, most professionals would not indicate a hysterectomy/oophorectomy. Probably your best bet would be to finish 2 years of tamoxifen and reevaluate with your oncologist.

regards,
Leo