Post menopausal bleeding with Tamoxifen

Former Member
Former Member
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Hello!

I am currently 56. I had a lumpectomy (lymph nodes were clear) almost 5 years ago and have been on Tamoxifen since then. Before starting Tamoxifen my periods had become horribly heavy and close together so I assume I was in Perimenopause. After starting Tamoxifen my periods became gradually lighter and further apart, and I had my last one exactly two years ago. For the last 5 days I have had some very minor spotting on and off. I saw my GP the very day it started. He examined my vaginal tract/cervix and said it all looked fine, but has referred me under the 2 week cancer protocol (still waiting). A blood test 6 weeks ago for something else, but that among other things looked for tumour markers, came back as "unremarkable". How concerned should I be given that Tamoxifen increases the risk of uterine cancer?   

  • Hi Beagle

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. My name is Jo and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. 

    I am sorry to hear that you have experienced some minor spotting on and off over the past few days whilst taking  tamoxifen. However, it is reassuring to hear that you have seen your GP who has made an urgent referral for further tests and investigations.

    Depending on how long you have been waiting for this referral appointment, it might be worth getting back in touch with your GP surgery to let them know you haven’t received an appointment yet. They could then either follow this up for you or give you details of who you have been referred to so that you can contact them directly.

    Whilst it is understandable that you are concerned about the risk of uterine cancer whilst taking tamoxifen, this is rare. However tamoxifen can cause changes to the womb lining resulting in vaginal bleeding which is more common and not cancer related.

    I hope this information is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have any further questions.

     

    Best wishes

    Jo D

    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 email us. 

    Our ref: JD/ KDf