Clomid Use And Risk of Ovarian Cancer??? Posted: 08-29-05 09:53am
Hello, I used clomid when trying to
conceive about 12-13 years ago. I used it
for about 6 cycles increasing the dosage a
few of those times. Never got pregnant
and gave up. About 4 years after that I
tried clomid again for 1 cyle, got
pregnant then miscarried at 8 weeks.
Never used clomid again. Went on to have
3 children in 3 years after that without
the help of any fertility drugs. I am now
35 years old. What are my chances of
developing ovarian cancer because of the
clomid use without pregnancy. I have
always had irregular periods and after my
3rd child my periods are still pretty
irregular ranging anywhere from 32 days to
49 days. Some months I spot for 2 days
about a week before my period comes. Why
is that happening? I have also had a
history of complex cyst that has resolved.
How does that play into my risk?? Also I
don't have any history of breast or
ovarian cancer in my family. Thanks so
much
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Jennywren
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 2
Posted: 10-20-05 19:23pm
Hi. I am 45 years old and had ovarian
cancer in 2000, five years ago.
I used clomid for a brief period 11 years
before that, in 1989. I stopped taking it
because of the side effects. I only would
have been taking it for three months.
We have two wonderful boys who are now 15
and 18.
I had undiagnosed polycystic ovarian
syndrome, since I was 14. I hardly ever
had periods. So both my boys are miracles
to us.
In 2000 I started bleeding heavily when I
was having a period. Also some spotting.
I went to see the gyno and he recommended
having a d&c to clear the uterus. I
had a pap smear done at that same time.The
pap smear test came back saying everything
was 100% normal.
When I had the d&c however, it showed
I had uterine cancer. I was immediately
booked in for the total hysterectomy,
which was going to mean my ovaries too and
my cervix. When they were doing the
surgery they discovered tumours on the
ovaries as well. They took both ovaries,
and the omentum as well. (that is the
fatty layer that rests underneath the
ovaries.) one of the tumours was the size
of an orange.
So here is the wake up call. If you think
a pap smear will reveal uterine or ovarian
cancer, think again! This is not to you,
mary, but to all who are reading posts
here. Also, d&c's will not show
ovarian cancer either. I guess imaging
like scans would. But pap smears only
show changes in the cervix.
I had six months of chemo, as a
precaution. The cancer had not spread
beyond the ovaries. The uterine cancer
was unrelated, it just happened to grow at
the same time. Which really spared my
life, because without the bleeding I would
not have gone to the doctor in the first
place. The chemo was awful, lost all my
hair and was very sick.
But, praise god, I am alive and well today
after five years. No reoccurences.
I did not have a family history of o/c but
my mother had uterine cancer when she was
57. She is fine today at 74. As to
whether or not clomid is a risk, I do not
know. Perhaps. I think having estrogen
dominance over an extended time is more of
a risk factor.
Please, everyone who thinks they have
unusual spotting, or bloating or other
vague symptoms. Don't ignore it. Go to
your doctor. Have a ca125 blood test.
That is the tumour marker blood test for
ovarian cancer. Have a scan done. Don't
ignore the signs.
My prayers are with those who have been
diagnosed and who struggle through the
dark valley of doubt and fear for their
future. But be encouraged, pray and look
to god for strength.
