hi everyone, i hope you're all well and hope you all had a nice xmas. i am writing to ask if anyone knows if the leaukemia can bring on menopause? My mum is very sad she keeps getting hot. she is getting down as well and does not want to say much. She seems down all the time. does anyone know what she can avoid or do to make her feel ANY better?
thank you,
(sweet 24 )
Hi,
Sorry to hear about your poor Mum.
I am convinced that when I was on glivec it affected my hormone levels etc. I don't know how much there is in the official literature about this but I definitely think there is a connection.
Maybe the support nurses at the hospital where your Mum is treated can help? They are often quite knowledgeable about side effects and they may have more time to spend with your Mum to discuss these issues. Sometimes patients don't like to bother the doctors with every little niggle ( or if it is a male doctor they may not get so much sympathy or understanding ).
Where is your Mum being treated, can you find out if they have support nurses?
Look after your Mum
Susan
The age at the onset of menopause really does depend on the individual. Some women experience menopause much earlier than others. You do not say how old your mum is but her symptoms might be menopausal but also might be related to having CML.
I have found that using a natural progesterone cream has helped with symptoms you describe. You might want to do a little bit of research on this.
Take a look at the following site.
Hi
I was moved by your mom's story to finally figure out how to post even though I have been a member for a few years and diagnosed over 4 years ago (when I was 41).
Yes I think both the CML and the glivec affect your hormones in some ways. I was always (and still am!) very cold, which I have also discovered is also linked to how tired I am. However despite being cold, I do remember in the first year or two post diagnosis that I would also get hot flushes. I was concerned that I was entering menopause and had blood tests done that established I wasn't. Glivac is a great drug but like every drug it has its side affects. Over time I have discovered that reflexology works for me in trying to balance the effects of the glivac.
Has your Mom been diagnosed long? Does she have anyome to talk to if she is not talking much at home? Meeting other people who have cml can be a support. A few of us also attended a "living Well" programme run in a women's centre for cancer patients, which was excellent. If there is any way I can help let me know.
Miss Optomistic
I have only just read your comment. Mum is getting counciling and has started medacation. how are you doing? It's great to know that there are people to help, i told her about the site and she is greatfull for the support. she gets tired a lot and everything seems an effort. she rarely wants to come downsairs and often gets hand pain. My father helps her a lot, but considering this, she still finds things a struggle.
thanks
sweet24
