Got my Period

[Becky]

Have any of you gotten your period while on Arimidex. I just got my period - like 2 seconds ago and I am taking Arimidex. I am having my ovaries removed in 3 weeks (partly so this wouldn't happen) and partly because I had a uterine scan that showed 2 cysts (but the technologist said my ovary looked ovulatory (that was 13 days ago so she was right).

I am seeing the gyno on Monday in regard to the surgery and getting pre op testing. I guess I should also call my onco too. I guess I should get a Zoladex shot until 3 weeks from now when I get the oophorectomy.

Help!!! Advice!!! I'm freaking out and don't know if I should take the Arimidex.

Thanks in advance

Becky

[Becky]

To All

Just in case you're wondering, I did call my oncologist office. I got a call back from the oncologist I just switched from (if you remember some of my other posts about switching doctors, this is the one who could never remember anything. He was so mad I switched (about 2 weeks ago) that he wouldn't even say hi in the hallway). Anyway, he told me to stop taking the Arimidex immediately and that since I am having my ovaries removed on August 29, that I should not start taking the Tamoxifen again either. He said I should be fine in the short-term (I am taking weekly Herceptin as an adjuvant). The doctor and I also "cleared the air" and I told him why I switched doctors (I felt I was an afterthought since he never remembered anything I told him (over and over again). He apologized but we left it at that. I switched to one of his partners who really stays on top on everything (getting me ready for the oophorectomy and staying on track with Herceptin). I will be much happier now.

My new and real question is - I thought I was in menopause (as did my bimonthly hormone blood tests (would have had one this week)) but obviously I am not. I am not surprised because I had no trouble losing weight on either Tamoxifen or Arimidex and I still had a good sex drive. I also (since going on Arimidex) had no hot flashes, joint pain or anything. So... how bad is this going to be when the ovaries are removed? What have your experiences been with the menopausal symptoms? I really want to be prepared. How long did it last or did it last for years?

My husband said me getting my periods back is a testimony of how well I have been taking care of myself and my body's healing properties but..... I really need to be postmenopausal now.

I was getting the ovaries removed because I had 2 cysts that did not change. My gyno said one looked like it was draining (probably ovulation and a CL forming - boy will he be surprised tomorrow when I tell him what's going on!!!!).

Thanks for being here to listen. This is a real freak out time for me (for sure).

Best regards,

Becky

[SusanAnne]

Hi Becky,

I also got my period back when I switched from Tamoxifen to Arimidex. I was 8 months on Tamoxifen and 13 months without a period so I requested the switch. Two months later, surprise! GYN thought my body just needed to adjust (FSH levels showed menopause) so I stayed on Arimidex. After speaking with drug reps from AstraZenica at my support group meeting, I was told to STOP! Being on Arimidex while having periods can cause you to develop more cysts and it isn't really helping you. I went back to Tamoxifen for three months before having my ovaries removed.

It's been 6 weeks and I have noticed an increase in hot flashes and problems sleeping. I've needed to take Ambien but the last week or so the insomnia is resolving.

Hope things go smoothly for you.

Susan

[Becky]

Susan

Thanks for responding. I go this morning for pre-op testing and then to my gyno for my pre-op meeting. I will see what he says and my regular onco (I left him an email to keep him updated after speaking with his partner (who was my onco just 2 weeks ago)).

I am a bit concerned because this period is like the last one I had when I was in chemo - very, very heavy. I am going through a tampon and pad every hour. Its outrageous.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,

Becky

[Rozebud]

My onc. won't let me start AI's until I've been on zoladex shots for 2 years with no periods. She says it's dangerous to go on an AI if you're not sure you're in menopause. I think she's just overly conservative. Anyway....I'm still on tamox. even though I haven't had a period in 8 months.

Menopause symptoms....hot flashes and vaginal dryness....both suck. And of course, make sure you're getting enough calcium....