Hi,
I was diagnosed with stage 2BC when I was 48. No rad or chemo.
I started Tamoxifen last March, now nearly 1 year and managing the side effects. To start with, had normal periods for a few months then nothing for 5 months but from mid Jan started having tremendously heavy bleeding with bad period pain. Saw GP and was prescribed with Tranexamic Acid and Norethisterone which stopped the bleeding but side effects cause me to feel panicky and hungry all the time, so kept eating and now put on at least4kg. Tried to stop taking the med three times but each time, bleeding starts again after two days and got very heavy so had to take tablets again. Gp says I’m menopausal and the bleeding could go on for several months. My Grandmother, mother and sister didn’t experience anything like mine. GP says it’s because I’m taking Tamoxifen. I wonder if anyone had or is experiencing similar problem. Is it common to have continuous heavy bleeding when menopause starts?
Hello worrier,
I’m sorry you haven’t yet received a reply to your post - hopefully you will receive a response from one of our forum members soon. If you do need any extra support or would like to ask our nurses a question you might want to give our Helpline a ring on 0808 800 6000 (the opening hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Late opening Wednesday 9am-7pm, Saturday, 9am-1pm) or post in theAsk Our Nursessection of the forum.
All the best,
Kristina
Hi, I had awful heavy periods on Tamoxifen , to the point I couldn’t leave the house for several days each month it was so bad! I had hoped they would stop but no such luck, I’m 49 now and on a break from Tamoxifen for other reasons and my periods have settled back down to normal .
I’m surprised you were prescribed Northisterone as I was told on diagnosis it was a definite No no . I always used to take it pre breast cancer to prevent my periods while on holidays but due to having oestrogen positive BC I wouldn’t be prescribed it again. I’m not menopausal as far as I know, my periods are as regular as clock work still and I dont have any other symptoms, maybe go back and see your GP but in my experience the cause of the heavy bleeding was definitely the Tamoxifen Xx
Hi Jobey68,
Thank you for your reply.
I should go back to see my GP but I don’t think he will offer any alternative. I would like to ask the consultant at Breast clinic but my appointment is in June. I think I will give the Nurses a call to see if they can advise anything.
Hi Worrier,
In case my experience helps. I had regular very heavy periods for a number of years before being diagnosed with breast cancer in my early/mid 40’s. When I started taking Tamoxifen my periods became irregular and after rather a long gap I had an even heavier period than the heavy ones before. I concluded it was probably not having had one for so long but did go to my GP and they did tests to check for thickening and any changes in the endometrium of the womb (a rare side effect of Tamoxifen). Thankfully nothing suspicious.
I was informed that bleeding all the time or between periods can be an indication of side effects from Tamoxifen on the womb, so depending upon the pattern of heavy bleeding you might want to discuss whether it would be wise to have any further checks on womb, just to be sure.
My GP had previously prescribed Tranexamic acid, which made some but not a great deal of difference. The gynocologist suggested I try taking the Tranexamic acid and Mefenamic acid, and the combination of the 2 does really help.
Re your GP, if there is another GP at the surgery you could always ask to see another GP for a second opinion.
Hope the above helps and that things improve for you.
Seabreeze X