Period starting during Tamoxifen - is this normal?

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Hi. Diagnosed with lobular cancer in 2019, aged 45. I have been on hormone therapy for over 4 years now, starting with 3 years of Anastrozole (with Zoladex injections) and just over a year of Tamoxifen. During the whole of my treatment, I have not had a period.

During the last 2 weeks, I noticed that my main side effects of Tamoxifen have completely disappeared (i.e. hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness). I believe I am now in a menstrual cycle, as I am suffering the associated symptoms. I would just like reassurance if it is normal to restart your periods during Tamoxifen, especially someone of my age (I am now 50). I am also wondering that as the symptoms of the Tamoxifen have completely disappeared, is the Tamoxifen still working?

Many thanks for your help, Kerry

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Hi Kerry,
I’m very new to Tamoxifen, …only 6 days in!! But from what I’ve read ( a lot!!) , one of the side effects of Tamoxifen can be a thickening of the womb lining , leading to a bleed.
This bleed is unlikely to be a “period” following release of an egg as your ovaries should have shut up shop with the reduction of estrogen in your body.
It’s a common complication of Tamoxifen but it’s very important that you get it checked out, Id either chat to your BC team or ask GP to refer you to a gynaecologist .
Wishing you all the best with what is hopefully the final stretch of your treatment plan xxx

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Hi Kerry

Thanks for posting. It’s understandable you would like information about whether having a period after so long is normal.

Having no periods when taking anastrozole and having Zoladex injections is what is expected, as suppressing your ovaries with Zoladex means your periods stop. If you are taking tamoxifen without Zoladex alongside, your periods can return. However, it’s worth mentioning to your breast care nurse if you are still in contact with her as occasionally this may need investigating. If not, you could contact your GP who may be able to advise or refer you back to your treatment team. As @caron says one of the uncommon side effects of tamoxifen is increasing the thickness of the lining of the womb.

You may find it reassuring to know that although the side effects you have been experiencing have disappeared, this doesn’t mean the tamoxifen isn’t working. If these return you might find our information on menopausal symptoms helpful to read.

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Carolyn

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