I am taking Tamoxifen (for obvious reasons) but the main side effect I have is postmenopausal bleeding. Twice in under two years I have had to have endometrial resection and polypectomy and am about to see my gynaecologist again for further bleeding. He has suggested that I have a Mirena coil fitted to stop the lining of the womb thickening again. He says the benefits of being on Tamoxifen for the breast outweigh the side effects. Can’t find any reference to the Mirena being used in postmenopausal women. Years ago I had a coil fitted for contraception but it set up low grade pelvic infection and I had many kidney infections. Has anyone any ideas what I should do?
Hi Myrtle
I dont have same issues as you, but if its to stop bleeding, then the mirena works really well for that. But I would urge caution. Ive had my mirena x 2 and have found it to be great, but am getting it taken out on Monday as there is an increasing belief that the -minute- level of hormones in it MAY be problematic for BC patients. I spoke at length with my gyne doc and she thinks for me at 52, I should err on the side of caution.
I may be back if I get the same heavy bleeds as before !!!
Hope you get some good advice to help with your decision-its such a minefield
best wishes
Cathie x
Hi Myrtle
I dont have same issues as you, but if its to stop bleeding, then the mirena works really well for that. But I would urge caution. Ive had my mirena x 2 and have found it to be great, but am getting it taken out on Monday as there is an increasing belief that the -minute- level of hormones in it MAY be problematic for BC patients. I spoke at length with my gyne doc and she thinks for me at 52, I should err on the side of caution.
I may be back if I get the same heavy bleeds as before !!!
Hope you get some good advice to help with your decision-its such a minefield
best wishes
Cathie x
Hi Myrtle,
I was on tamoxifen and found that I had thickening in the endometrial lining when I had a TV ultrasound as part of the ovarian cancer screening study I’m in. The next time I saw my onc I told him that in view of the thickening and as I’m postmenopausal I wanted to come off tamoxifen and take one of the aromatase inhibitors instead. After a bit of a discussion he agreed that I should switch to Aromasin.
A different set of side effects, but I feel much better all round for having made the switch. I have to take a bisphosphonate as well because I’ve got osteopenia and aromatase inhibitors can cause thinning of the bones but, for me at least, it is well worth it.
Hope you can find a solution that works well for you.
Eliza xx
I have just had a hysteroscopy to investigate post menopausal bleeding and they found a polyp and removed it. I too am concerned about taking tamoxifen even though I have only been taking it for 10 weeks or so. Due to see onc in March maybe I should ask to be taken off it ? Don’t fancy having coil fitted if thats the alternative.
Eileen xx