Should I choose ovary suppression for breast cancer treatment at 39?

Hello, I was diagnosed in 2024 at age 40. IDC, stage 1. I had mastectomy and radiation. I’ve been on ovarian suppression since July. Lupron every 28 days to put me in menopause and I take anastrozole daily. I was very nervous about it but I’m ok now. Please reach out , I’d be happy to answer questions for you!

Just start Tamoxifen. Ovarian suppression is hard on your whole body. Did you do radiation, it really helps decrease recurrence. If you didn't need chemo,I would think twice a out ovarian suppression

I am 43 with stage 1 with a lumpectomy and 20 radiation treatments. My doctor had me start tamoxifen before my surgery since we weren’t sure how long it would take to get me an appointment for surgery. It was around the holidays. I had minimal effects (very cold hands and feet and some achy joints every now and then) so far but I take it at 7pm so hopefully I sleep through any side effects. I am a teacher so last thing I want is hot flashes during school hours. After surgery I was surprised to be offered zoladex on top of tamoxifen. I researched and watched videos of that actual needle and decided it was NOT for me. I also had an ultra low mammaprint result and an oncotype of 12. Even though I am premenopausal the tamoxifen has definitely spread my cycle further apart (35 days and it lasts only 2-3 days). I feel okay rejecting the zoladex but hopefully staying the path with tamoxifen. Everyone is different though so only you can weigh your own risk and tolerance.

Hi, Fe, I was 37 when diagnosed. I decided to go with ovarian suppression and anastrazole daily because I wanted to minimize as much risk of recurrence as possible. I had some minor side effects (fever and headache for a few days) with the ovarian suppression injection every 3 months and the more common side effects (hot flashes and joint pain) with the anastrazole. The upside is that I no longer have to worry about my menstrual cycles.

I am 55 years old and not fully menopausal. My first medical oncologist immediately wanted to do Lupron and Letrozole. For multiple reasons, I decided to get another opinion. My new oncologist said there are 2 current studies that show women 50-55 can safely take tamoxifen until they are fully menopausal. I opted for the Tamoxifen only for now and have tolerated it well. I will try switching to an AI, but if I have serious side effects I will go back to Tamoxifen.

Hi Fe bc of your age they want you to do Lupron. You are far off from menopause. You will be on Tamoxifen but wo the suppression your ovaries still make estrogen. I’m almost 52 and been on Tam for a year, still get my period like clockwork (no side effects) but if I don’t start to see signs of menopause soon I will go on Lupron in a year and AI. while Tam is great, AI’s are a bit better. I just am willing to do what it takes to prevent a reoccurrence.

40. Stage 1c. Lumpectomy and radiation. Tamoxifen only. Largely because Onco Dx score 13. (Low).

I am 54. I am stage 1B. My Oncotype was 44 and did 8 rounds of chemo. My period stopped with chemo. Onc wants me to go on tamoxifen or leprozale. She said I can do either. Said I have to be on it for 5 years. I am so nervous. I read about all these terrible side effects

This is such a challenging decision to face, and it's completely understandable that it feels overwhelming. Many people in similar situations find themselves weighing these same treatment options, and there's no universally "right" choice - what matters most is finding the path that feels right for your specific situation. Consider discussing with your oncology team about the potential benefits and side effects of each option, and how they might impact your quality of life and long-term health goals. Has anyone else here navigated this decision between ovarian suppression plus tamoxifen versus tamoxifen alone?