Hi Jar.  I'm not that young (43) not female (last time I checked) but do have CML.  Irregular menstruation is listed as an 'uncommon' side effect of Glivec (along with almost anything else you can think of).  Don't know if this applies in your case, but a more common side effect is weight loss (although weight gain is even more common)- which in turn could lead to irregular menstruation.  The good news is that at 32 time is on your side and more women with CML are having healthy children all the time.  You could try other drugs (irregular menstruation has also been reported on Sprycel, but there is very little correlation generally between side effects on the different drugs for the same person), you could take an extended break from medication if you have a deep and long-lasting response, or the periods may just better all by themselves as your body adjusts to the drugs / your stress levels decrease.  There is even every chance of them finding a complete cure for CML while you're young enough to celebrate in ways that might lead to more children!

Hi,

I'm 28 years old, diagnosed in May 09. I haven't had any children yet but I am encouraged each time I hear about a woman having a healthy baby with CML. I can only hope and pray it will happen for me, when I'm ready.  I have been on birth control for several years and continued after I was diagnosed so I have regular monthly periods. My oncologist encouraged me to stay on the birth control because of the risk (though it is unknown) of birth defects if you become pregnant while on Gleevec so I have chosen to continue on with it. I'm not sure if it's a bad thing not to have a period but it might be a good idea to go on the pill just as a precaution and then you would obvously get your period. I'm not sure if this helps. Wishing you the best.

Hello Jar,

I'm Tina, 22yrs old from Tampa, Florida. I have been a member of the "club" since 3-1-04. Since then I have had a healthy (unplanned) son. who is now 3. We are considering having another child but arent sure if we want to risk it again. I highly recommend talking to your doctor about all the options of having another child. My doctor isnt fond of the idea of more children, although I would like another one I am not sure how to discuss it with her as I know how she feels about me having to come off Sprycel and I am immune to Gleevec and can no longer take it as it doesnt help me. Everyone is different and you doctor will probably have the best advice for you.

Tina

Gleevec can impact some functions that could also affect menstruation.  It can sometimes cause general hormonal imbalances in some people, including the pituitary, which is critical to menstruation.  It can reduce thyroid funtion, which can also affect menstruation.  Generally, this is considered an uncommon side effect.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/amenorrhea/DS00581/DSECTION=causes

http://www.biomedsearch.com/nih/there-any-relationship-between-imatinib/20089016.html

http://www.modernmedicine.com/modernmedicine/Oncology/Doctors-Should-Consider-Ovarian-Health-in-Imatinib/ArticleNewsFeed/Article/detail/500632

http://patientsville.com/symptoms/amenorrhoea.htm

Imatinib Side Effects Report #5669324-4
IMATINIB problem was reported by a Health Professional from GREECE on Mar 05, 2008. Female patient, 28 years of age, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and was treated with IMATINIB. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: amenorrhoea, blood follicle stimulating hormone increased, muscle spasms, oligomenorrhoea, ovarian failure, skin discolouration, ultrasound ovary abnormal, . IMATINIB dosage: 400 MG/D.   Patient recovered.

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/extract/358/24/2648

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/amenorrhea-000006.htm

Hello!  I am somewhat young (pushing middle age).  I am a bit older than you, but I am still in childbearing years.  I seem to have the exact opposite problem.  I am getting my period regularly (I never did in my life) and it is very, very heavy (which sucks because it brings down all my red blood and platelet counts).  I have read too that Gleevec is accused of interfering with female hormones.  It may put some women into an early menopause (however, you are probably too young for that).  Since my husband and I decided to try for another child right before I was diagnosed, it would be nice to not have to now worry about getting pregnant.  I totally understand what you mean about trying to avoid getting pregnant and not wanting to have to terminate the pregnancy.  Anyway, don't let that scare you.  If you can reach PCRU (no signs of cancer) and stay that way for 2 years, the onc I see said a person could go off Gleevec and try to get pregnant.  There are things that can be done for the young who have to deal with this monster!  I will likely be too old in 2 years to have another baby (if I am so lucky to reach PCRU--total response to drug).  You will still be a spring chicken!  That is, if you want more kids.  We now are blessed with 2, and let me tell you, it is a lot harder!  May this unexpected journey be an easy one for you.  Best of luck with everything.