I have just finished 5 years of zoladex last month, I’m on letrazole for a further 5 years, as my mum has just been diagnosed with BC. I am 50 and over the last few days I’ve had period pains. Is this normal? I haven’t had a period since starting chemo in 2019. Im enjoying the period free life!
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Hi Kittycat1, I was 68 when I started taking Letrozole after a mastectomy, lymph node clearance, radiotheraphy and starting Zolodronic acid infusions every 6 months for 3 years ( these infusions have now finished). I was well past the menapause when I first took Letrozole and within about 10 days of starting this little tablet I had excruciating period pains. When I told my oncologist he sounded really surprised. Luckily after a few weeks the pains stopped. I never had any blood loss. I must admit these pains really worried me at first and if they had continued I might have thought about stopping this tablet.
However I have been on Letrozole now for 5 years with another 5 years to go. I do get terrible pain in my knee joints and my oncologists said I could change to Tamoxifen now but I feel “better the devil you know than the one you don’t” and will carry on as I really want to keep my cancer away if I can.
Good luck to you and I send you and all the lovely other ladies my best wishes. Take care.
Sunshine21
Hi kittykat1
Thanks for your post.
It’s not unusual for women to experience period-like symptoms such as pain or bleeding when there is a change in their hormone therapy.
Although period-like pain is not a common side effect of letrozole, like with any drug, every person is an individual and some people may experience different side effects. As @sunshine21 has described, it can take several weeks for your body to adjust to you coming off the Zoladex and to being on the letrozole alone.
If the pain continues, do discuss this with your treatment team, or breast care nurse. It’s important they are aware of any side-effects you have and how they may be affecting your daily life so they can be checked out and the team can offer advice and support to help you manage these.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you and your mum may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
For more details about all our services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
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Best wishes
Heidi
Breast Care Nurse
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