Tamoxifin and menstrual period

[pjhep80]

I was diagnosed in December after a breast biop with microcalcifications, lumpectomy done in January showed clear so i did not need radiation or chemo but my dr did put me on tamoxifin... been on it for 4 months now, my period was normal the first two months, last month i had spotting a week before my regular period, this month just some early spotting but very black blood, dirty looking, not a lot and then i stopped and i still havent gotten my period... also i usually had clots in my period now they are (or were) worse

im wondering if all this is normal or not... going back to the dr for a breast exam and i dont know how often i should be getting pap smears now, every six months?? what about mamograms..

i also have hepatitis c but not on tx for that right now, treated a few years back and it did not work i take milk thistle and liv52 and vitamins thats it besides the tamoxifin

[LisaBaia]

I am 43, was diagnosed with BC in Sept. 07, had a mastectomy in Oct. 07, four rounds of chemo ending Jan. 08, started Tamoxifen end of Jan. 08.  My last period was Dec. 07.  I had nothing but white discharge.  Then May 1, 08, I started my period.  Today, May 28, 08, I'm still having it.  Oh, joy.  The doctors don't seem to be concerned, but I am.  Bleeding 28 days straight, very heavy, bright red.  I'm tired but not anemic.  I have cramps.  I have gained five pounds this month.  It's awful.  My GP did an endometrial scrape last week and should have results next week but bascially said there's nothing they can do.  Great!  

[Irishgal2]

Hi,

I started Tamoxifen in November last year.  I had 4 cycles of chemo but still had a regular menstrual cycle until the end of the chemo.  Then nothing for 2 months.  They started again in October and then went onto Tamoxifen in Nov.  I have continued to have menstrual cycles and had blood test to confirm that I am ovulating.  I just got the T bar coil inserted and my periods are now very heavy.  What I was told by my doctor is that your menstrual cycle can stop, but you can still be ovulating or vice versa or yet again your periods can become lighter and more irratic.  Bottom line what I took from this is that doctors don't really know which way any patient is going to go re menstrual cycles while on Tamoxifen.  Just make sure you are using contraception.

I believe smears should be done every 3 years.  I just had one and thankfully all ok.  I do.  You should also have a yearly mammo.

How this helps.

[pjhep80]

also, im 46, my aunt died of breast cancer in her early 60's ...