Periods, Fertility and Breast Cancer: Separating Fact from Fiction With Monika Pansari

Monika Pansari, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Fortis Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Breast cancer is a frightening diagnosis, and it’s natural to have a whirlwind of questions about how it might affect your body. One common concern – can breast cancer itself disrupt your menstrual cycle? The answer is no, breast cancer itself typically doesn’t alter your periods. However, the treatments used to fight this disease can have a significant impact.

Let’s delve deeper into this topic, exploring the relationship between breast cancer, menstrual cycles, and fertility, all while emphasizing the importance of holistic treatment for optimal patient well-being.

Periods and Breast Cancer: A Matter of Timing, Not Disruption:

The menstrual cycle is a complex dance of hormones orchestrated by the ovaries. While breast cancer can involve hormonal changes, these changes don’t directly disrupt your period. In fact, some studies suggest that women with regular menstrual cycles might have a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer.

However, your menstrual history itself – the age at which you started your periods and when you entered menopause – might hold clues about your breast cancer risk. Early periods (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 51) can be associated with a slightly increased risk due to longer exposure to estrogen. Estrogen plays a role in some breast cancers, and these cancers are classified as ‘estrogen-sensitive.’ This is why some breast cancer treatments target estrogen levels to impede cancer cell growth.

Treatment Choices and Period Impact:

While breast cancer itself might not affect your periods, the treatments used to combat it certainly can. Here’s a breakdown of some common treatments and their potential impact:

• Surgery: Lumpectomy, a breast-conserving surgery, usually doesn’t affect your period. However, a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, might disrupt your cycle temporarily, especially if it involves removing lymph nodes under the arm.
• Chemotherapy: This powerful treatment can disrupt your menstrual cycle, sometimes leading to irregular periods, amenorrhea (absence of periods), or even premature menopause. The impact depends on the type and duration of chemotherapy used.
• Hormone Therapy: Tamoxifen, a common hormone therapy medication, can cause irregular periods or amenorrhea. Other medications used in hormone therapy may even induce menopause.

Fertility and Breast Cancer: Not Always Intertwined:

Another significant concern for women diagnosed with breast cancer is fertility. The good news is that breast cancer itself doesn’t necessarily affect your ability to get pregnant. However, some treatments can pose challenges. Chemotherapy, for instance, can damage eggs and reduce fertility, especially in women nearing menopause.

Here’s where a holistic approach to treatment becomes crucial. Your oncologist, along with other specialists like a reproductive endocrinologist, can discuss fertility preservation options before treatment begins. These options may include egg freezing or embryo banking.

The Power of Holistic Care: Beyond the Cure:

As a surgical oncologist who has performed countless surgeries, I firmly believe in the power of holistic care. While surgery plays a vital role in removing cancerous tissue, a successful journey towards recovery goes far beyond.

Why Collaboration is Key: In my practice, I prioritize collaboration with other medical professionals. Consulting with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and even obstetrician-gynecologists allows us to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each unique case. Understanding your individual health history, family history, and environmental factors ensures we choose the most effective course of action while minimizing side effects.

The Importance of the Right Doctor: Sadly, I’ve encountered patients who haven’t received optimal treatment elsewhere. While anyone can diagnose and treat cancer, true healing encompasses more than just a cure. The physical and emotional well-being of the patient is paramount. A holistic approach, with specialists working together, significantly impacts the long-term outcome. This includes minimizing disruptions to your menstrual cycle and supporting your fertility potential.

Remember, breast cancer doesn’t define you. With the right team of specialists and a holistic treatment plan, you can fight this disease and reclaim your life.

By understanding the relationship between breast cancer, periods, and fertility, and by seeking holistic treatment from a team of qualified specialists, you can navigate this challenging time with greater confidence and optimism.

Consult Dr. Monika Pansari – Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Breast and GYN Oncology):

• M.B.B.S., MS (General Surgery – Gold Medalist)
• DNB (Surgical Oncology), FIAGES
• Fellowship in Breast and Gynaec Oncology (USA)”

Source: Monika Pansari/LinkedIn