i have just started this treatment, my first injection was on Friday, after reading some of the other topics on this subject im a bit confused. i thought i was having these injections so i would go into the menopause, and after a few years come off the injections and that would be it… no periods ever again, maybe ive got the wrong end of the stick reading the other threads but i dont want my periods to start again, i certainly dont want the “pleasure” of 2 menopauses, could somebody please shed some light on this for me…
thanks xx
Hi Alison
I have my first injection of zoladex next tuesday, and yes I do believe it is only a temporary menopause.
So those of us that are lucky enough will have 2 menopause’s!!!
They stop your periods to stop your ovaries working and producing oestrogen.
What was the injection like, as I have been told it is a really big needle?
Did you have any side effects yet with it?
Take care
Angie
x
Hi Angie… I had the injection last friday and i can honestly say i didnt feel a thing, the doctor did use a local anesthetic first, (needle form) which again just felt like a little scratch, so try not to worry, the needle is large and i got myself really worked up before hand, but it was easy…
no new symtoms as such, i was getting hot flushes from the the tamoxifen which i have been taking for a year anyway, so im very used to them…
i was due a period the day i had the needle and that hasnt arrived yet, so fingers crossed that that then… but i am concerned that my periods will restart once this treatment is over, in fact its really worrying me, i will need to speak to my doctor when i have my next needle… im having them every 28 days, what about you?
love alison x
Hi Alison
I haven’t had a period for 8 weeks, but was told that could be from the chemo!!!
I still get a few low tummy griping pains, and I have had flushes for the last few weeks, so I am not sure
if the “Real” change is happening.
I am not on or am able to go on tamoxifen due to blood clots on lungs.
There is plenty of tummy to go at so hopefully won’t feel a thing.
I have been told I will be on them for 2 years initially, and be reviewed after that.
I will let you know how I get on
Take care
Angie
x
Hi Angie and Alison
I have just finished my 2 years on zoladex. My periods had started to go haywire because of the tamoxifen and they stopped completely after the first injection. The drug works on the hormones released by the pituitary gland and stops your ovaries from producing oestrogen - hence the menopausal symptoms. The effect is temporary and I’ve been told it could take up to a year for my periods to return. I’m 50 in 2 weeks so I’m hoping the drug may have had an effect on my natural hormonal system and that I have been through the menopause whilst on it. Tamoxifen sometimes makes your periods stop so if you are younger than me then they might not come back until you’ve finished taking the tamoxifen. The only way to be sure you won’t get periods is to remove your ovaries and then you wouldn’t need zoladex or tamoxifen, they would give you drugs for post menopausal women like arimadex. I haven’t got much tummy fat and once or twice the jab hurt, so I started using anaesthetic cream before each time. It says to leave it on for half an hour only, but I found it was much more effective after one and half hours.
Hope this helps you both
Take care and good luck
fantan
I have been having Zoladex injections since January. I had a period after the first one, but that was due anyway, I haven’t had any since.
I have suffered from hot flushes, but they seem to be lessening a bit,
My bit of advice - Don’t look at the needle, it is big! but I got used to it, just one more of the unpleasantries we seem to have to endure!
I would quite happily stay on Zoladex, but have just been changed onto Tamoxifen! so have to wait to see how it compares!
Nicky
FOR ANGIE… how did it go today??? i hope it was ok, my period still hasnt arrived so i assume thats it for now, let me know how you are
take care
alison x
Hi Alison
Well it wasn’t as bad as I thought!!!
My appointment was 9 o clock but I didn’t get home until 1!!!
My onc sent me for blood tests as I haven’t had a period since may he wanted to check my hormone levels. My mum started through the change at 38 and I am 35 now, so it is possible.
Then he sent me for a chest x-ray as i haven’t had one since my blood clots were diagnosed, so he wanted to see what was going on there.
Then a trip to the pharmacy to get the injection, then trail back to then sit and wait for it doing.
It has been a long day.
The nurse was lovely, she told me not to look, but she gave me a running account of what she was doing.
I came over a little clammy, but apart from that not bad.
I was told with being on warfarin I may bleed a bit more, which may cause a bigger bruise, but she was surprised that I didn’t.
Next one 22nd of august and he has given me the choice if I want to go to my own GP for it, which I may, as when I go to the hospital ,it brings all sorts of memories flooding back.
Hope you are OK
Take care
Angie
xx
P>S I can hear the wine bottle calling!!!XxX
oh angie i am sooo glad it was ok, my first time was a long day as well and i think that makes it worse coz you get youself all worked up, i have to have my next one (10th aug) at the hospital but im hoping then that i can go to my GP for the rest…
enjoy you wine hon, you deserve it…
take care
alison x