Menstrual Cycle

Does the menstrual cycle return after chemo and radiation treatment?

It depends on the chemo regimen for sure.  I was 45 and pre-menapausal, I had a CT and ultrasound of my ovaries before chemo that showed I was chock full o follicles, so still had years to go before I'd be menapausal. I am way menapausal now.  I haven't met anyone that had my regimen - 4 dense dose AC every two weeks, 4 taxol every two weeks - that got periods back, no matter their age.  It seems to be the ovary killer formula.  I thought it would be just dandy, no more periods or chance of pregancy - my kids are 22 & 16 so fab on the no pregnancy.  But I now know it's more problematic to be plunged into menapause like this than I thought.  If I'd had this knowledge, and there had been a magic pill to not go into menapause, have a few more years of the benefits of the natural process.  AND - no picnic recovering from all the treatment, with the menapause cherry on top.   I know there are clinical trials of stuff to put your ovaries "to sleep" and reawaken them after chemo.  If I could go back in time I'd say YES to that trial and go for it.

 I am 37 and just had my period return.  I had my last on in March 09 when I started chemo and I finished my chemo in Aug 09.  I didn't really think it would return, but last week I was having signs of PMS-crying and eating anything sweet, salty, and fried that I could get my hands on and then it came.   I just got to the point last week that I took my scarf off and then my period came back..so feel like my body is getting back to normal.   

My menstrual cycle started when I was 11 years old and was like clockwork - every 28 days. Up until I had my kids, it would last for about 4 days. After I had my 2nd and last daughter about 45 min later I had a tubal ligation. My periods then lasted only a day and that was for about 21 years. Prior to dx I noticed I would go into 2, sometimes 3 days and I wodered if menopause was starting. Still every 28 days. I ha a period right before my 1st chemo tx so was not affected. However, my next cycle started on the day it was due but lasted 10 whole days. Flow was still light but just kept going and going. Does this mean I won't have another?  I was beginning to have nightsweats prior to this. I have since had somewhat "mild" hotflashes. I would prefer it not come back so just curious.