Chhavi Mittal, who has openly discussed her battle with breast cancer, recently shared her experience of severe period pain at the age of 45. She described changing tampons every hour for 48 hours, enduring extreme pain, weakness, and tingling in her limbs. The television personality explained that the heavy flow might be linked to post-cancer hormone therapy she has been undergoing for three years, although this month was particularly severe. She emphasised that women should not suffer alone and called for sensitivity from partners during such times. Medical experts confirmed that hormone therapies after cancer can affect menstrual cycles, causing changes in endometrial thickness, irregular periods, and increased pain. Doctors advise women experiencing extreme symptoms like hourly pad changes, large clots, dizziness, or fatigue to seek immediate medical evaluation, as these could indicate anaemia or other complications requiring personalised treatment.
Medical Link Between Hormone Therapy and Period Changes
Dr Shruti Chandak, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, confirmed that hormone therapies administered after cancer treatment can significantly affect menstrual cycles. These therapies may alter the thickness of the endometrium, leading to irregular cycles, heavier flow, or more painful periods. Each woman responds differently to such treatments, making menstrual changes a common occurrence. In Mittal's case, the post-cancer hormone therapy she has received for three years likely contributed to the endometrial thickening causing her severe symptoms. Other common reasons for heavy bleeding include fibroids, polyps, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. Women experiencing unmanageable pain should not normalise it and must consult a doctor for proper evaluation and personalised treatment plans.
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