periods while on arimidex

[kris49]

I'm 49 years old. Have been on arimidex for about a year and a half. A couple of months ago i started my period. I thought it was a flook and then the next month i started again, now month 3 is coming up. What should I do? I was diagnosed with breast cancer April 2006 estogen positive, her pos. 12 lymph nodes bad. Went thru chemo/ radiation /herceptin therapy.

[leea1206]

Kris,

I would notify your oncologist, as I understand the aromatase inhibitors won't work if you are still having periods. Your onc will probably switch you to tamoxafin until they are sure you are menopausal. Also ask your Dr. for periodic tests of your hormone levels (estradiol). Some also test for FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).

Menopause is defined as no periods for 1 year, although I have heard of survivors whose periods come back after one year. That is why it is so important to test the hormones to ensure the person is truly menopausal before starting an AI.

I am a 1.5yr survivor and just started Femara about 2 mths ago.
Leea

[kris49]

Leea
Thanks for getting back to me. I'm going to ask if I can have my ovaries removed instead of switching to tamox. It took a while to get used to the arimidex and I don't want to have to get used to the side effects of a new drug because it really wasn't much fun.

[vallegrrl]

I would talk to the person who is prescribing the Arimidex. When I started it I was told it was for postmenopausal use only. I also know someone who had periods after she started it and was switched to tamoxifen.