Hi. I have been taking tamoxifen for 3 years. I have constantly oedematous legs (one more so) so my consultant suggested an ultrasound of abdo / pelvis. This showed a fatty liver and increased thickening of the uterus lining. The consultant suggested I may be menopausal and can change to Anastrozole. I have just had the results of my first FSH (taking tamoxifen as they wouldn’t let me stop) , the GP receptionist told me I was menopausal and tried to book me in with the GP but I explained I was having another FSH in 6 weeks time. I asked to be emailed the results of this and other bloods - the FSH is 20.8 iu/L which I didn’t think was high enough to be classed menopausal? Should I be worried as I thought that the tamoxifen should be ‘blocking’/ ‘reducing’ hormones ?
Thank you for any advice / clarification
Hi Sare
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Hi Sare,
Thanks for posting.
Tamoxifen can cause changes to the womb lining. Some women if they are post-menopausal may be switched to an aromatase inhibitor.
You don’t mention how old you are but explain you have been told, based on your recent FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) test that you are now post-menopausal. FSH is found in higher levels in menopause. Many women will be advised to stop tamoxifen before this test as there are concerns that tamoxifen could make the test less reliable.
It can be hard to find normal reference ranges and the previous link explains why. It sounds as if it would be helpful to talk this through with your consultant. You can ask about stopping tamoxifen before your next test and what the significance of a result of FSH level 20.8 mIU/mL means in your individual situation.
You may also want to post here to find out other women’s experience of this is. And here are the details of all our services.
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Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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