Mirena coil and tamoxifen

Hi Janszham

Sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer.  I had a meeting with my oncologist before starting the anti-hormone pill that I'm on.  So far I haven't had any problems with it.

Wishing you the best of luck with tamoxifen.

Best wishes

Daisy53

I took mine out but they were quite relaxed about the timing. It’s obviously progesterone but it’s kind of a closed system in your uterus but I think progesterone might metabolise into estrogen - so ultimately I think you’ll end up having to have it out. But I wouldn’t stress too much they haven’t done it yet they probably don’t want to over load you

hhaving said all that I’m post menopausal and on letrozole - so slightly different situation 

Ps having it out was fine and no probs afterwards except a bit of random spotting  

best of luck 

Hi there! Congratulations on finishing radiotherapy! It’s understandable that you want to discuss Tamoxifen before starting it, especially with a long treatment ahead. Many people do meet with their oncologist before beginning the medication to go over potential side effects, benefits, and any concerns. If you haven't had that discussion yet, I’d recommend reaching out to your oncology team to schedule an appointment. It’s important to feel comfortable and informed before starting any new treatment.

Regarding the Mirena coil, you’re right—there’s some debate on this. While some are advised to remove it, others aren’t, especially if it was inserted for hormonal reasons. Since the coil contains progestin, and Tamoxifen can affect hormone levels, I’d suggest discussing this further with your oncologist or a gynecologist to ensure that keeping it in is the best option for your situation.

But remember that it is extremely important to use only high-quality Tamoxifen from reliable pharmacies, for the best results and to minimize side effects.

Better to double-check and feel secure in your choice!

Yes I think you need to talk to your team for a personalised response. I was told to remove mine straight away on diagnosis and to stop all hrt tablets too l. All the best x

• Thanks everyone,  have now got an oncologist appointment for Monday so will discuss this, thanks for all the advice 

Hi Janszham

Just wondering what you decided on the Mirena coil. I was diagnosed with lobular cancer,  ER8 PR8 HER2- in July. Following diagnosis had surgery (mastectomy) in August and now on tamoxifen (no radio needed or chemo as my Prosigna score came back low). I left the coil in initially as I was having a fibroid investigated and now wondering if I should have it taken out.

The research evidence seems to be mixed and both breast consultant and gynaecologist didn’t have strong opinions either way. The Mirena coil provides some protection against uterine cancer which I believe is a (rare) side effect of tamoxifen, but I also want to reduce my risk of reoccurrence of breast cancer especially as my remaining breast had areas of lobular neoplasia with calcifications (as I had a fibroadenoma removed) found so I do have an increased risk. 

Cant decide what to do for the best! 

Hi Mia Alice, it is hard to know! I haven't finally decided what to do, but I did ask oncologist and she confirmed v mixed evidence but said take it out if you don't need it. Another oncologist friend said benefits of coil for lifestyle probably outweigh risks. In the end I only stayed on tamoxifen for 6 weeks as it sacked my joy and gave me thrush and for my case had very limited benefits (0.3% increase in 15 year life expectancy according to NHS Prefict Breast tool) so with agreement of onco I stopped it. So I still have coil for now but husband is getting a vasectomy this month, so now that I feel like myself again post cancer I will probably take coil out this year. I don't know if that helps though! For me with coil and with Tamoxifen when I was struggling to decide,  I realised that I wanted someone to tell me what to do, but oy if they told me to stop taking it, so that sort of helped. It is a difficult process xxx