Tamoxifen and periods

Hello Stevie 1986

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Adele, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to our online community and thanks for posting your question.

Tamoxifen can cause a range of side effects, which vary between different people.  If someone is still having regular periods, when started on tamoxifen, it can cause these to change.  Sometimes periods can become lighter or less regular and sometimes they may stop altogether.

However, if you have started to bleed again it is best to discuss this with your GP or your treatment team.  Sometimes the tamoxifen can cause changes to the lining of your womb.  These changes can include thickening of the womb lining (hyperplasia), and benign polyps.  In rare cases it can cause endometrial cancer.

When you have a chat with the GP, or your treatment team, it is important to tell them about the bleeding and if you are having any other symptoms, for example any pelvic pain or pressure, or vaginal discharge.  They may decide to refer you for further investigations.  More information, about possible investigations and treatments, can be found under the post-menopausal bleeding page on the NHS website.

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Adele

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref AON/KS