Survivor advice needed: I just want to know if not having a period really is a side effect or i need to get more tests done?
I (19F) had childhood leukemia and have been in remission for 10+ years. Ever since being in remission my periods have been extremely irregular, I'm talking I would only get it about 3 times a year! My mom had always told me that having little to no periods is something that my doctor told her would be normal. I got checked out about a year ago anyway despite my mom always telling me that, and the blood work was fine and they put me on birth control. Since then i've been having my period monthly. i just want to know if not having a period really is a side effect or i need to get more tests done? I live in denver colorado. I've just been super anxious about this because I’m worried if something is actually wrong then I might've found it too late.
You should consider getting in touch with a pediatric survivor's clinic - they are accustomed to these sorts of questions and can guide you about what is expected, and what may need further investigation with someone like an endocrinologist. It's a great idea to follow up now, since there may be other considerations later in life (for example, around having children). The University of Colorado in Aurora (near Denver) has a Survivor's Clinic.
See: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/colorado-cancer-center/for-patients-families/survivorship. The Thriving After Cancer Treatment is Complete (TACTIC) Clinic sounds like the right one for you. Their phone number is 720-848-2300.
Jason Sager, MD
