Periods Post Oopherectomy

Posted by steddiemama @steddiemama, Nov 21, 2023

Hello, I am a 46 yo woman who was diagnosed with Stage 2 B invasive ductal carcinoma in 2020. I had bilateral mastectomies and chemo, then really struggled with tamoxifen and meds to suppress my estrogen so I had my ovaries removed. I’m 6 months post op and have had two “periods” since surgery. My blood work shows estrogen levels above what would be considered normal, there was no indication during surgery or from the path report that my ovaries were not intact when removed and a follow up MRI did not identify any ovarian tissue. My doctor is stumped and I don’t know where to go from here. Has anyone had a similar experience?

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Nov 22, 2023

Hello @steddiemama it sounds like it has been a bumpy ride so far. I also had an oopherectomy, but they took everything, so no periods. I also took tamoxifen and arimidex for years.
I would probably not stress if I were to have a little spotting but full blown periods with no ovaries does seem odd. If this kept happening, I might look for a second opinion, it seems like your body is getting mixed signals from somewhere. Remember a second opinion doesn’t mean you don’t trust your doctor, it just means you want more or confirmation of information.
Do you live near a comprehensive medical center or a teaching hospital? Might your trusted have an idea for a consult?

steddiemama | @steddiemama | Nov 22, 2023

Thank you! I am in an amazing spot for care, University of Utah medical and Huntsman Cancer Institute. My gynecologist yesterday requested an e consult with endocrinology and my blood draw yesterday was for FSH, testosterone, and estradiol. This blood draw was day 2 of bleeding and my estradiol is at its highest point we’ve seen since my oopherectomy. Oddly when I had my ovaries and was on zoladex my labs were all in single digits. I have a call in to my oncologist but admit that I’m already panicked nothing will come of the e consult and have no idea what type of specialist to go to next for a second opinion (the hurdles I went through to get to a gyno willing to remove my ovaries were insane). Producing this much estrogen and cycling with no ovaries feels like a thing that can’t possibly be “ok. Thanks again for your message.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 25, 2023

@steddiemama, how perplexing and no doubt concerning. I’m afraid I have no thoughts to add, but I would like to hear what you learn at the e-consult. If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate an update when you know more.