Tamoxifen and menstrual cycle

blueice
blueice Member Posts: 5
in Breast Cancer #1

I have been taking Tamoxifen since October last year.  Since then, my menstrual cycle produced increasingly and substantially less blood each month.  Should I be worried about it (that is, what kind of problems may it cause to my body and health?)  In particular, will I suffer some terrible gynecological problems from not having menstrual period? I am 45 years old now. 

 

If I stop Tamoxifen, would my menstrual cycle return to my normal level as a result of my stopping Tamoxifen?

 

If I keep Tamoxifen on and off, would it adversely affect my health?

 

If you have any experiences or lessons on these questions, I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have for me or simply sharing your story with me! Thanks in advance

Comments

  • SIROD
    SIROD Member Posts: 2,194 Member
    #2
    Tamoxifen

    I had just turned 47 when I was dx with bc.  Half way through chemotherapy I stopped having periods.  It put me in what was known back then as chemical menopause.  I began tamoxifen as soon as I finished chemo.

    You are at an age that you might be going through menopause.  I think these would be good questions to ask your oncologist and your gynecologist.  

    My gynecologist really wasn't much good for questions on hormonal drug therapy.  When I began to bleed 5 years after stopping my periods, he didn't have answers.  I did find a marvelous gynecologist.  He did a D&C first and what I had turned out to be Tamoxifen related.  I had endometrial hyperplasia with polyps.

    I don't think you should stop your hormonal drug therapy to prevent a recurrence without a discussion with your oncologist.  There is a reason your on this drug.

    Best of luck,

    Doris

     

     

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #3
    I was on tamoxifen for 7

    I was on tamoxifen for 7 years from age 33 to 40.  I had menstration-lite too.  My periods did come back after tamoxiifen, right and regular.  Everyone is different.

    I did not have any longterm adverse effects from tamoxifen.  Instead, it gave me an amazing gift-time with my family I did not believe that I had.   Back in 1987, when I was first diagnosed, Stage 3 odds were not good.  The new kid on the block was tamoxifen.  I am convinced that it was the reason for my 18 year remission.  If I had it over to do again, I would take it for 10 years, so maybe then I wouldn't be Stage 4 today.  Who knows?

    Tamoxifen did have its share of annoying side effects, such as loss of libido, weight gain, vaginal discharge and some fatigue towards the end of the 7 year course.  It can have serious side effects such as endometrial cancer and blood clots.  I had my share of endometrial biopsies, but did not have a problem.

    For me, cancer has had much, much worse side effects.

     

  • blueice
    blueice Member Posts: 5
    #4
    ​Thanks so much for those who

    ​Thanks so much for those who replied so promptly. While I am making appointments with my onc and gyncologic doctors, meanwhile, the experiences and views shared by BC patients are so valuable and helpful to me. 

    I am now very concerned if my body (and potential cancer cells) would become resistant to Tamoxifen if I am on and off Tamox, although not frequently .  In other words, I have to skip Tamoxifen for a while for various reasons now, and in a few months or a year, I plan to take it again. So, if I am on and off like this, would the effect of Tamoxifen be discounted substantially due to my body's resistance?  Can anybody share your experiences or studies that you know on this issue?

    By the way, I am 45 years old, diagnosed with DCIS stage 0-1a.  I had mastectomy in Sept. last year.  No chemo so far.

  • helen e
    helen e Member Posts: 223
    #5
    blueice said:

    ​Thanks so much for those who

    ​Thanks so much for those who replied so promptly. While I am making appointments with my onc and gyncologic doctors, meanwhile, the experiences and views shared by BC patients are so valuable and helpful to me. 

    I am now very concerned if my body (and potential cancer cells) would become resistant to Tamoxifen if I am on and off Tamox, although not frequently .  In other words, I have to skip Tamoxifen for a while for various reasons now, and in a few months or a year, I plan to take it again. So, if I am on and off like this, would the effect of Tamoxifen be discounted substantially due to my body's resistance?  Can anybody share your experiences or studies that you know on this issue?

    By the way, I am 45 years old, diagnosed with DCIS stage 0-1a.  I had mastectomy in Sept. last year.  No chemo so far.

    Mine stopped

    I have been on tamoxifen for four years and my cycle has gradually stopped. I get only 1-2 periods a year and my dr. isn't concerned. I was warned that this could happen with this medicine. I know that is blocks estrogen simulating menopause. In menopause your cycle becomes irregular and eventually stops. I have also gained 35 pounds but have been assured I will lose it when I stop the meds. can't wait for that to happen! I am 48 but was 44 when I was diagnosed. 

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #6
    blueice said:

    ​Thanks so much for those who

    ​Thanks so much for those who replied so promptly. While I am making appointments with my onc and gyncologic doctors, meanwhile, the experiences and views shared by BC patients are so valuable and helpful to me. 

    I am now very concerned if my body (and potential cancer cells) would become resistant to Tamoxifen if I am on and off Tamox, although not frequently .  In other words, I have to skip Tamoxifen for a while for various reasons now, and in a few months or a year, I plan to take it again. So, if I am on and off like this, would the effect of Tamoxifen be discounted substantially due to my body's resistance?  Can anybody share your experiences or studies that you know on this issue?

    By the way, I am 45 years old, diagnosed with DCIS stage 0-1a.  I had mastectomy in Sept. last year.  No chemo so far.

    I did a quick google of

    I did a quick google of intermittent tamoxifen therapy and couldn't find much applicable to your scenario.  The best person to talk to is, of course, your onc.   There is probably a cumulative benefit to maintaining your tamoxifen levels.  Not as sure about the resistance part of your question because I am not sure cancer resistance acts exactly like antibiotic resistance?  I personally would not plan on and off again/on again course.  Ask your oncologist!

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