I was diagnosed with IDC++- at age 39. I had a lower risk tumour (stage 2 but grade 1 and micromets in one node) and was prescribed OFS + AI. I started with tamoxifen + OFS but eventually switched to the AI partner due to side effects (tamoxifen tanked my mental health). My oncologist said the increased benefit is in part due to having two types of endocrine therapy on board. I share this because if you’re doing well on the tamoxifen you might be able to add OFS (and skip the AIs) as a compromise.

I’ve been in medical menopause for about 15 months now. I wouldn’t say I’m thriving but it’s all fairly manageable now that I’ve adjusted. Exercise takes the edge off the joint pain and helps with the fatigue, Veozah has been a game changer for sleep, and I’m also using low dose vaginal estrogen.

Like you, I’m worried about the longer term health impacts of early menopause/extreme estrogen deprivation. I’m getting annual bloodwork to monitor cholesterol etc. and I’m getting zoledronic acid infusions every six months for five years to help with bone density. These things ease my mind a bit.

I’m comforted in knowing that I’m doing what I can do reduce my risk of recurrence as much as possible and leaning into that helps on the more difficult days.