Hello, I have been on Tamoxifen for 14 months following both Chemo and RT and have just been for my 6 monthly oncologist check up and was told that as I am not having periods, it is likely that I am infertile. This is a different story to what I have been told in the past and I am trying to find out if anyone else’s periods have stopped completely and if I should believe that I am truly infertile as a result of the chemo. I am planning to come off the tabs after 2 years as I am desperate to start trying for a family and was told that 80% of the benefit of taking this drug is derived within the first two years. I do have some embryos frozen as back up but am fed up of hearing different information each time I go for a check up. I have been told that no tests can be done to test my fertility whilst on Tamoxifen and that I need to wait until I finish it to find out for sure. Any experiences of this type greatfully received !!
Sorry I have no experience of this but am very interestedin knowing the answer, hopefully someone will come along soon and answer. I hope it all goes well for you, you didn’t say how old you are. I’m 36 and was told they’re likely to come back.
Vickie
Thanks Vickie. I’m just 38 and will be 39 when I can start trying. Having read through some other threads related to this subject, I have decided to make an appointment with a fertility specialist as surely they will be able to tell if I am post-menopausal even whilst still on Tamoxifen. I think you can have some kind of blood tests to find out. At least I will then know either way so can prepare myself for next steps. Will keep you posted.
Suzy
I’m 37, and will nearly be 40 after 2 years of tamoxifen. I would be interested in knowing what the specialist says. My periods have stopped, but I thought this was the norm?
I’m concerned that the cut off age is 40 for fertility treatment in the NHS. Doesn’t exactly give me much time if I do have any problems!
Hi yes - I too thought this was the norm until today. It’s just so frustrating that no information seems to be consistent. I did read this though just now about Tamoxifen:
If you are pre-menopausal when you
start taking tamoxifen, your periods
may become irregular or stop.
However, they will usually return to
their previous pattern when you stop
taking tamoxifen, unless you have
gone through a natural menopause
during the time you have been taking
it.
I kind of think I would know if I had been through a menopause as I havent had night sweats really or hot flushes. Anyway we must stay positive and believe it will happen. It’s great to know that I’m not the only one and will definately keep this thread going to let you both know what happens and what I find out. x
im 41, and i had to request info on fertilty ect, i think my onc thought with my age and no kids i wouldnt want any. !!
i didnt have any eggs frozen ect as it would have delayed my treatment and i didnt want to do that,
ive had to put my fate in the hands of nature. i would like kids,but with my age, 6 months treatment then tamoxifen for 5 years think ill stay a cool auntie
x
Hi all
I thought you might be interested in our publication on the subject of fertility issues. Here’s the link if you haven’t already seen the booklet:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/BCC28_fertility_issues_09_web_pdf.pdf
Hope you find it a useful read.
Best wishes
Louise
Facilitator
Thanks Louise
This does say that with some women periods become less regular, lighter or disappear altogether and that generally they will start again after you stop taking Tamoxifen so I’m not sure why I was told that it is likely I am infertile. 
hi everyone
My sister had chemo followed by tamoxifen and she was told that it would affect her fertility. Her periods were light and irregular. Earlier this year she went to her see her GP and was told that she was 20 weeks pregnant. She conceived having been on Tamoxifen for 4.5 years.
She is very pleased. looks like the baby is breached so she is hoping to be booked in for a C section before Xmas.
What a fabulous story. That gives me lots of hope. Thank you
lovely news xxxx