Menstrual cycle and ovarian cancer

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I was diagnosed with endometrioid ovarian adenocarcinoma and had a 15cm tumour removed in February.

I was diagnosed in November - I hadn’t had a proper period then, or a period at all in December. It returned to normal in January but had a very light one in Feb, last month and now this month.

The surgeon says all the tumour was removed - and it was just the tumour and one ovary (it wasn’t identified so they presume the tumour must have engulfed it). CA125 is back to a normal level.

The cancer is currently unstaged as the oncologist wants to take me back to theatre to check for any signs of spread (the surgeon says there were no visible signs in Feb) and take biopsies and tissue samples etc if necessary.

Just wondering if there is a connection between the periods and the cancer?

My CNS says it could be stress related and she may be right although the first light period was in November before I knew there was anything wrong and the periods are almost non existent they are so light.

  • Thank you for reaching out to us for support. I’m Sharon, one of the nurses on the Macmillan Cancer Support Line.

    I am glad that you contacted your Clinical Nurse Specialist about this. Your hospital team are best placed to give an answer that is specific to you, as they know your medical history, diagnoses, and treatment plan.

    If you only have one working ovary, it should compensate for the one that has been removed and an egg should still be released every month. There are many factors that cause changes in your menstrual cycle, stress and anxiety being one of them. Surgery can also affect your menstrual cycle, as your body has experienced a level of stress that it’s not usually exposed to, although you mention that the first light period you had was before you were diagnosed.

    It is very positive that your CA125 is back to normal levels, but it is understandable that you are still feeling stressed, given the ongoing investigations.

    We are here for you if you need us, and the Ask Eve charity also have their own helpline, providing specialist gynaecological health information.

    We are here answering calls every day 8-8pm and would be very happy to be a listening ear and have an informal chat if you think that would be useful. It is also important that you keep your hospital team informed if symptoms persist.

    Take care, Sharon

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

    Ref/ SA/PN