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kari · 02-01-2007, 08:10 PM

when does "chemopause" become "menopause"?
I was 46 and peri-menopausal when I started chemo last March--AC for 14 weeks, then Taxol for 12 weeks. Rads followed, and now I'm on Tamoxifen (2-3 years) and Herceptin. My last period was early April last year. I have been having hot flashes pretty much since the start of treatments. My onc says that "menopause" is when you haven't had a period for a year, and she will re-assess my status at that point.
Has anyone experienced a return of menstrual cycles after a year without?
I'm not complaining about no periods, but am I doomed to have these hot flashes for the duration??!!
And when would switching to an AI from Tamoxifen occur? Since Tamoxifen isn't effective for post-menopausal women, I would think they would switch you as soon as possible.

Blessings,
Karen

02-01-2007, 08:10 PM	#1
kari Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ontario, canada Posts: 48	Just Curious... when does "chemopause" become "menopause"? I was 46 and peri-menopausal when I started chemo last March--AC for 14 weeks, then Taxol for 12 weeks. Rads followed, and now I'm on Tamoxifen (2-3 years) and Herceptin. My last period was early April last year. I have been having hot flashes pretty much since the start of treatments. My onc says that "menopause" is when you haven't had a period for a year, and she will re-assess my status at that point. Has anyone experienced a return of menstrual cycles after a year without? I'm not complaining about no periods, but am I doomed to have these hot flashes for the duration??!! And when would switching to an AI from Tamoxifen occur? Since Tamoxifen isn't effective for post-menopausal women, I would think they would switch you as soon as possible. Blessings, Karen __________________ Karen "The Good Lord gave us mountains, so we could learn how to climb!"