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My menstrual cycle lasted for 11 days. Is this normal for breast cancer patients who still have a cycle?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My menstrual cycle has lasted for 11 days. Is this normal for breast cancer patients who still have their menstrual cycles?  My oncologists says my blood counts are normal, so this really concerns me.

Expert Answer

Bonnie Bajorek Daneker is author and creator of the The Compassionate Caregiver's Series, which includes "The Compassionate Caregiver's Guide to Caring for Someone with Cancer," "The Journey of Grief," "Handbook on Hospice and Palliative Care," and other titles on cancer diagnosis and end of life. She speaks regularly at cancer research and support functions, including PANCAN and Cancer Survivor's Network. She is a former member of the Executive Committee of the CSN at St. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta and the Georgia Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

If your oncologist is telling you your blood counts are normal, that’s a good sign, however, an oncologist is not a gynecologist. It’s common that your menstrual cycle would be influenced by different treatments including hormonal therapy or chemotherapy used with breast cancer.

Some cancer treatments either mimic the effects of menopause or push the body toward menopause, and such changes might lead to longer cycles. If an 11-day cycle is more than twice your cycle, make an appointment with your gynecologist. The physical exam by that doctor and any tests he or she recommends will help identify any problems and put your mind at ease.