Period at 56 after 3.5 years of tamoxifen and no period.

Hi,

My name is Paula, and I am one of the Macmillan Information nurse specialists here on the Macmillan support line.  Thanks for reaching out to us about your recent change in hormonal levels and re starting your periods.

Stopping Tamoxifen often leads to a reversal of its side effects, including the return of periods and weight loss, because the body is returning to its natural hormonal balance. Tamoxifen works by blocking Oestrogen and often causes periods to stop and weight gain or difficulty in losing weight in premenopausal women.

If you are pre-menopausal or peri menopausal and did not go through the menopause naturally whilst on the drug, your periods may return once the medication leaves your system.

With any, new, worse or change in a symptom, we would always advise you to let your treatment team or GP know for a clinical assessment and let them know you have recently stopped Tamoxifen.

If you’re experiencing very heavy periods, bleeding after a long period of none, or irregular or unusual bleeding, you should speak to your treatment team or GP as this could also indicate other issues such as polyps.

I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to call us free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am – 8pm) or send us an email or contact us through webchat, if you wish to discuss anything further or require any additional information or support.

Best Wishes

Paula 

Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

 Ref: PL/UH