Menstrual Cycle during chemo

I did 4 rounds of T/C back in 2009, when I was 40.  I only had periods about every 60-70 days during and immediately after chemo, but I did have them.  By 3 months after chemo, my periods were back normal and regular like the moon, and still are.

There are women (not necessarily on this board!) who will make blanket statements that "Chemo will stop your period," because that was their own experience.  However -- like most things having to do with our cancer treatment -- every women is different, and a lot of it has to do with age.  

According to my oncologist, if you're already getting close to menopause, chemo is more likely to "tip you over the edge" into menopause.  However, if (like me) you're nowhere near menopause, chemo is less likely to stop it altogether.

Don't know if that helps?

Traci

I am three years out from surgery and I have had two rather heavy periods twice. September 2014 and September 2015! My oncologist does not seem concerned and we both laughed that I seem to be getting one every fall! I am on tamoxifen and I am very careful to go to my ob/gyn every 6 months to get an ultrasound to check out my ovaries and uterine lining measurement, plus pap smears once a year of course. So far, these tests have been good and I have been able to continue on the drug. Certainly check with your doctor at your next appointment, but I don't think it's something you should lose sleep over. Best, Anna

TraciInLA said:

Me!

I did 4 rounds of T/C back in 2009, when I was 40.  I only had periods about every 60-70 days during and immediately after chemo, but I did have them.  By 3 months after chemo, my periods were back normal and regular like the moon, and still are.

There are women (not necessarily on this board!) who will make blanket statements that "Chemo will stop your period," because that was their own experience.  However -- like most things having to do with our cancer treatment -- every women is different, and a lot of it has to do with age.  

According to my oncologist, if you're already getting close to menopause, chemo is more likely to "tip you over the edge" into menopause.  However, if (like me) you're nowhere near menopause, chemo is less likely to stop it altogether.

Don't know if that helps?

Traci

I was at 'that' age early fifties.  Chemo stopped mine and I was very pleased.  However, I had horrendous hot flashes for several years afterwards, now calming down a great deal.  A return of bleeding I thought was a one off after three years I had checked out.  Normal smear tests did not pick up a large polyps I had.  Gynacologist picked it up very quickly and was removed, all clear on that, they do check it out.  They also should check deeper into your lining to make sure nothing is lurking.  So actually glad I had that seen to and moved on.