Can I have my ovaries removed instead of taking tamoxifen?

Can I have my ovaries removed instead of taking tamoxifen?

Studies are now confirming their usefulness when given with tamoxifen instead of chemotherapy or after chemotherapy. This is called ovarian ablation or suppression and can be done through surgery (permanently) or monthly hormonal injections (temporarily).

How often does someone at high risk need to have their ovaries screened?

Our Ovarian Cancer Screening Guidelines An annual gynecologic examination with pelvic examination is recommended for preventive healthcare.

Can a woman survive without ovaries?

For women at average risk—this means no personal or family history of ovarian or breast cancer—there is no clear benefit to removing the ovaries at any age. Hysterectomy itself can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. If you have severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS), removing the ovaries can stop hormone changes.

What does tamoxifen do to your ovaries?

Tamoxifen can cause excessive growth of ovarian follicles, resulting in elevated estradiol levels. Although ovarian cysts may cause complications and be revealed as malignancy, most women in our study showed resolution of cysts without any complications reported during follow-up.

Is there a alternative to tamoxifen?

Earlier ATAC results found that Arimidex was more effective than tamoxifen in reducing the risk of recurrence of early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Other studies comparing tamoxifen to the other two aromatase inhibitors (Aromasin and Femara) have shown similar results.

Is there a good screening procedure for the ovaries?

The 2 tests used most often (in addition to a complete pelvic exam) to screen for ovarian cancer are transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and the CA-125 blood test. TVUS (transvaginal ultrasound) is a test that uses sound waves to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by putting an ultrasound wand into the vagina.

Does tamoxifen make you more fertile?

In the initial phase of tamoxifen treatment, it may stimulate ovulation and thus making the women more fertile. With continued use, in some women (approximately half) periods become less regular, lighter or stop altogether.

Can tamoxifen give you ovarian cysts?

Patients still having a menstrual cycle during tamoxifen had a high chance (81%) of developing ovarian cysts. Breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen only develop ovarian cysts if their ovaries are able to respond to FSH stimulation as shown by E2 production.