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[aquarian]

Hi everyone.

I'm just approaching 51 and at the beginning of this year I was diagnosed with advanced anal cancer, the treatment for which is chemoradiation, an aggressive combo of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As the radiotherapy affects the entire pelvic area, at the end of 6 weeks, I was instantly in menopause.
I got hit almost immediately by palpitations, cold sweats and flushes, I was put on Elleste Duet 1mg by my GP but this had almost no effect so after going back, he then added Clonidine as well which stopped the sweats and more or less eradicated the flushes (although if I'm late taking the Clonidine they start happening!).

I have had the small, almost discharge like bleeds that only last for a couple of days and from what I've read (although it's all confusing) this should get lighter and then possibly stop. Today I've been hit by the bleed from hell which by no stretch of the imagination could be called light. I don't know where I am with all this and although I can talk to my GP rather than be talked at, I would rather get info from women who actually have some knowledge about all this.

Is it normal to have a heavier bleed after being on this HRT for months? Is it the best type for someone who is my age, as I've read that is for women who are peri but I know my therapy has put me into meno so would a different tablet be more usual? I just feel kind of lost with all this. With this type of cancer there is no gynae support or info so we are left to get on with it.

I'm also wondering how long one stays on it, are there any set rules or is it trial and error, stopping the HRT and seeing how symptoms go? Sorry for so many questions in my first post, I appreciate any replies.     

[Mrs January]

Hi There

I couldn't pass you by. I don't have the answers to your questions but I wish you well and send to you hugs and snuggles

Love Mrs January xx

[CLKD]

Oh what a shock for you, firstly a diagnosis and hectic treatment regime followed by instant menopause!  Heavy bleeding can be eased with a drug, sorry names escapes me - have you still got your reproductive organs intact?

I think this is something that your GP and Consultant/Onocologist need to liaise about.  I suggest you compile a list of queries and go have a chat with your GP to see how much advice he has had from the Hospital. I take it that you will be followed-up at the Hospital on a regular basis? 

You could also send a personal e-mail to Dr Curry who 'runs' this web-site - it does cost but may be a quick fire method of getting a valued reply. 

Browse the menus, left of screen and keep posting!

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM aquarian
Goodness, you've had a tough time.
You are on a sequential HRT which should always give you a withdrawal bleed each month - the withdrawal bleed each month is keeping your womb lining from building up.  If you want to not have a bleed then you have to be on a continuous HRT and you are probably too young to use that yet as you need to be considered well into post menopause.
You've been put on a very low dose of HRT and it may be worth asking to go onto a higher dose at your age to reduce the meno symptoms.  Many women choose to stay on a sequential HRT ( which results in a monthly withdrawal bleed) as progesterone taken continuously can bring more side effects.
You also may like to try Femoston 2/10 as the progesterone in this is kinder and well tolerated by many women.
There are many reasons why you could get a heavier bleed - your own hormones may still be kicking in ?!! It would be good to get this checked out.
Do read up all the info to the left of this screen and get back to us for help and support.
Keep posting.  DG x