Tamoxifen and periods: Hi lovely ladies... - My Breast Cancer ...

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Tamoxifen and periods

Mell profile image
Mell
28 Replies

Hi lovely ladies can anybody tell me if their periods were affected by taking tamoxifen. The oncologist said I'd still have them but this last 3 months have been barely there - not that I'm complaining! I seem to have all the symptoms but no loss. Started on it December 2015. Also been advised to have my ovaries out at some point, has anyone else?

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Mell profile image
Mell
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28 Replies
Gracie66 profile image
Gracie66

Hi there my periods were stopped because I was on the Mirena coil up until I had my operation .had it out 2 weeks before my op. Got period2 days after op!! That was fun. Ive had nothing since. (Pms and mood swings yes lol) Oncologist said chemo would stop em and might put me in menopause. And that tamoxifen might do same. But I have seen other people saying that it only gives the impression of menopause and that when you're finished your Tamoxifen you may well get your period back... suppose it depends on age and circumstance. :)

Mell profile image
Mell in reply toGracie66

Thanks Gracie I'm 53 so hoping the tamoxifen will do the job for me!

lnelson1806 profile image
lnelson1806

I am not sure about its affect on your periods as I started it way after my last period. It will be good for you if you have regular check ups as it has caused grade 1 cancer of my womb and I am awaiting to go in for a hysterectomy to clear me of the cancer

Mell profile image
Mell in reply tolnelson1806

Thanks lnelson im sorry to hear that but it's the one thing that's worrying me so having my ovaries out might be the sensible thing to do.

Artemis-angel profile image
Artemis-angel

Hi i was on tamoxifen for five years and did not have a oeriod during this time i was under 50

Mell profile image
Mell in reply toArtemis-angel

Thanks that's good to know

megan86 profile image
megan86

my period stopped after my surgery in February this year before I began taking tamoxifen I was concerned because I took a period every 21 days before surgery have been told not to be to concerned but like have been advised to have ovaries removed

Mell profile image
Mell in reply tomegan86

Ok thanks for that Megan.

Heather-lockwood profile image
Heather-lockwood

I haven't had a period since I had my breast cancer 13 yrs ago not sure if it was the chemo or tamoxifen TBH

Gracie66 profile image
Gracie66

I've not had anyone say anything about my ovaries. Is that from risk from tamoxifen?

Mell profile image
Mell in reply toGracie66

Hi Gracie the reason behind having ovaries out is that it further reduces your risk of reoccurrence as they produce oestrogen xx

Wildeone1234 profile image
Wildeone1234

Hi,

I had Masectomy at Christmas 2015, finished radio late march now on Tamoxifen. Having ovaries out next month as premenopausal. This to me is the best option for me. no more worries.

vwel profile image
vwel

hi there, i'm 35 and had primary breast cancer two years ago. chemo cause my periods to stop for a bit but they then came back about a year after chemo finished. I've been on tamoxifen for over 18 months and have been getting regular periods but much, much lighter than before. As I'm also BRCA1 my oncologist/ genetics team have recommended having my ovaries out at 40...Everyone seems to have slightly different reactions, some people don't have periods after chemo and some find tamoxifen stops them...if you're worried at all I would have a chat to your breast care nurse or oncologist.x

Mell profile image
Mell in reply tovwel

Thank you that sounds like really good advice x

jeang7x profile image
jeang7x

Hi Mell I also was on tamoxifen for 5 years and during this time I only had a very occasional period. The ones I had at that time were really heavy and I was under the care of the gynaecologist. When I finished taking the tamoxifen my periods returned with a vengeance and I ended up having to have a hysterectomy and since then I have never looked back x

Mell profile image
Mell in reply tojeang7x

Hi Jean that sounds like you had quite a hard time of it, glad you're sorted now x

Tracey06 profile image
Tracey06

Hi. I have only had one very slight period since my mastectomy in October, and going onto tamoxifen. I still get all the horrid hormonal symptoms though. 😬😬 😂. X

Mell profile image
Mell in reply toTracey06

Yes that's what I'm getting plus a slight brown spotting. I feel for you! 😩

Tracey06 profile image
Tracey06 in reply toMell

The joys! 😂😀

Mac99 profile image
Mac99

Hi, I have not had a period since my chemo in October, started tamoxifen in March and still none. the oncologist is considering starting me on an additional oestrogen suppressant monthly injection, is anyone else taking this? I am 41

Mell profile image
Mell in reply toMac99

I've not heard of that but I suppose it will save having surgery on your ovaries.

snugx profile image
snugx in reply toMac99

Hi there. I wonder if you will get this . I'm just curious if you started the injections. . I had to stop as they really did.t Agree with me but onco is talking about starting them again.

My periods stopped last August after my first surgery. I didn't need chemo or radio but because we've no kids my consultant referred me to an IVF clinic for egg harvesting (I'm 37). Started tamoxifen last December and have only had slight spotting since then. Only lasting an hour or so each month. Nobody has said anything to me about ovaries removed . Hope this helps

Mell profile image
Mell in reply to

Yes thank you it does. Good to know I'm not imagining things!

Kiani profile image
Kiani

Hi ! My periode is effected by tamoxifine . I am taking temoxifin from last 4 years and i had stop my mens frm last Two years., its happening With tamoxifine.

louise007 profile image
louise007

i started with the drug Dec 2014 ,i was peri-menopause prior which may have impacted on the drug but i had a period day after my op ! great !! one in the March , one Dec 15 and nothing since i am 49 now so maybe the drug maybe my body . But i was told this could happen . My oncologist has also put me on the drug 20mg for 10 years not five as the latest evidence shows the advantages have the edge . I get hot sweats . night are the worse . During the day my desk fan helps . I just try and think that the hormones feeding the cancer are no longer there.

Mell profile image
Mell in reply tolouise007

Thanks Louise glad to know I'm not loosing my marbles completely!

Happyrache2 profile image
Happyrache2 in reply tolouise007

That's like me Louise! I started on the drug in Feb 2017. Mastectomy in September, but I was already per menopausal. Had a period in March 2017 and June 2017, and nothing since. I'll be on them for 10 years too. I get two hot flushes a day now.

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