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Taking a break from Tamoxifen

Lewisa
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Hi,

I'm 57 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.

I have been on Tamoxifen for just over 2 years.

At first I had no side effects, then I got terrible hot flushes and recently have had pain in my joints and even finding walking difficult!

I try and keep fit and active by going to the gym etc but am really struggling to work or do normal things. 

My GP suggested stopping the Tamoxifen for 2 weeks to see if it is actually that causing my joint pain.

So after stopping just 3 days ago, I've started bleeding heavily. 
Is this normal, after only 3 days?

I also haven't had a hot flush but still have the joint pain! 
Help!! 

Parents
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    I'm curious as to why your on tamoxifen as I thought post menopausal women were put on anastrazole or letrozole. The joint pain I can empathise with, some days I feel 100 years old. 
     

    I have read you can bleed after stopping tamoxifen but I did think that was on pre menopausal women, were you having periods before taking it? 
     

    Hope you can get sorted love...xx

  • Offline in reply to Marlyn

    Hi, 

    Thank you for your reply. 

    I was still having regular periods before being put on Tamoxifen. I was 55 and showing no signs of the menopause!

    After 3 days of having a break from it, I'm having a period! 

    I wondered if that was normal. Although I'm not sure it's normal to be facing periods at my age?

     

     

  • Offline in reply to Lewisa

    Oh wow, well that explains why you were put on tamoxifen.....I think it is normal to bleed when on a break from it, this happened to a friend of mine ( she's 53) but it wouldn't hurt to chat to your GP ..

     

    I couldn't imagine having periods at my age (55)  although I do know it's not unheard of to be going on as late as you. I do hope things settle down for you soon..

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  • Offline in reply to Lewisa

    Oh wow, well that explains why you were put on tamoxifen.....I think it is normal to bleed when on a break from it, this happened to a friend of mine ( she's 53) but it wouldn't hurt to chat to your GP ..

     

    I couldn't imagine having periods at my age (55)  although I do know it's not unheard of to be going on as late as you. I do hope things settle down for you soon..

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