Menopause after treatment

  • 2 replies
  • 274 subscribers
  • 561 views

Hello I finished my TDM1 chemotherapy last March and I’m taking exemestane hormonal chemo for 5 years. When I first started taking this I was on letrozol which I couldn’t tolerate so was prescribed exemestane. I am really struggling with what I think are the side effects. At least twice a month I suffer what seems like PMT and my mood swings are very severe. I can be in bed for two or three days in a very dark place. I have contact with the mental health team and I can’t stop crying for days. I then experience really painful abdominal pains the I have a mini period for 1 day. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms ? I have contacted my oncologist as I can’t continue like this. 

  • I thought the aromatase inhibiters were only for post-menopausal women, so I would get in touch with your GP or BCN to see why you are having a monthly mini-period. If that is the case, exemestane or letrazol may not be the right drug for you, unless you are taking zoladex too to stop your periods - but then your periods should have stopped altogether on that.

    As for your mental health, I didn't suffer as much as it sounds like you are, but I did have mood swings that made me not feel like me any more. I eventually got help from my GP and now take a low-dose anti-depressant that has been amazing at making me feel like the old me again in my head.

    Please do seek a medical opinion as it sounds like some adjustments are needed.

  • I’ve just started Letrozole and my abdomen feels sore all the time - like it’s gearing up for a period but no bleeding …. I’m going to ask my oncologist as I know I’ve got cysts and fibroids which might not like the fact I’ve suddenly gone into menopause - I am having zoladex monthly to make sure I am and stay menopausal as I wasn’t before cancer treatment.  And I do feel low. But it’s only been two weeks for me and I’m hoping it will get better.  Please let us know how you go and what your oncologist suggests. I hope things work out better for you soon.