Ovarian Suppression and perimenopausal women

In Jan 2001 at age 50 I was diagnosed with a T1cN0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma.  It was greater than 90% Er+ and Pr+, Her2-.  My S-factor was 1.8%.  Genetic testing showed I did not carry the BRCA1 and 2 genes.  Although my 1.6cm tumor was greater than the 1cm standard, I opted not to have chemo (on recommendation of my oncologist) because I was already perimenopausal and skipping periods and my cancer appeared to be non-aggressive.  I had a lumpectomy, radiation, and have been on Tamoxifen since Mar 2001.  My last period was that March.  I thought I was home free.  However by that summer I developed bilateral ovarian cysts.  Blood tests over a period of 3 months showed my estradiol levels at constant high levels (366-420).  Last September I was put on Lupron to suppress my ovaries.  I did very well on it.  The cysts disappeared, my estradiol levels dropped and I didn't even have a hot flash.  We stopped after 6 months hoping that I had transitioned into full menopause.  By this summer I had developed another ovarian cyst and my estradiol level was back up.  I am back on the Lupron.  My oncologist says we are in "uncharted territory" as far as how long to keep me on it this time.  I am now 52, should be in menopause, but my ovaries won't stop!  All the studies I can find show benefit from ovarian ablation in premenopausal women.  Since I didn't have chemo I feel the Lupron is really helping me.  But how long should I take it this time??  (Sorry this is so long, but this is a complicated situation)

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear ritavv:  Although there is not a lot of research on this, I have read that in Australia, Zoladex (a drug muchlike lupron) was given for 3-5 years with benefit.  Hopefully, this information will help.