Complex hyperplasia w/severe atypia starting megestrol

I posted this in the Cancer Concerns forum, but it was suggested I try posting it here to see if I can get some feedback.

I am 35 years old, married with no children, but still wanting one or two. I was diagnosed earlier this year with complex hyperplasia w/severe atypia after I told my ob/gyn of the irregular bleeding I'd been having and she performed a biopsy (which, btw, hurt like h*ll!). Ob/gyn recommended hysterectomy, because she felt I was pretty well assured to have cancer in my uterus. But she referred me to gyn/oncol in Houston, because I do still want children and wanted to pursue all options. Gyn/oncol was much more positive about the possibility of my condition not necessarily = cancer, and about the fact that hyperplasia w/atypia can be reversed with megestrol.

I had a D & C in mid-March and the pathology report came back the same as my original diagnosis, so there was no confirmation of cancer. YAY!

I am starting megestrol in a couple of weeks after I finish my current batch of birth control. The gyn/oncol is starting me on 40 mg twice a day for 3 months, then I'm to go back in for another biopsy. ugh! If that comes back with the same results I have to go back to Houston to see the oncologist, and we'll discuss further options.

I'm just curious as to what other people's experiences with this drug have been. From what I've read it's an appetite stimulant, and I'm pretty nervous about that. I started a weight loss program (after a severe scolding from the gyn/oncol about my weight and how it causes the overproduction of estrogen which contributed to my condition), and I don't want it to be derailed because I'm ravenous 24/7.

I also read that it can cause you to stop having a period. How long after you stop taking megestrol do your periods start back?

I'm hoping for a clear diagnosis after 3 months, so we can start getting serious about having a baby. Not sure if that'll happen or not. If it doesn't come back clear can we start trying anyway?

Thanks for any and all advice,

Rachel

I don't have much for you as I was only on megestrol for a month. My doc warned me about the appetite thing-I stepped up my exercise and ate mainly fruit and veggies with some lean protein while I was on it and all was fine but my daily dosage was half yours. I also skipped my period while on it (not a twinge!) so that part is true. I had it in preparation for an ablation (which failed) and went back to my normal menstrual cycle after about 5 weeks so I don't think the megestrol stuck around too long (the ablation sure didn't!).
Best of luck to you on the rest-I'm sure some other ladies will be by with more experience to offer you :-)

Thanks for the feedback, onthefence. I'd been reading some horror stories about side effects of megestrol, so I was getting kinda nervous. I think I'm prepared to deal with the appetite increase - some of those others not so much.

3 months without a period sounds like heaven. I'd give my eye teeth for a couple of dYs of not having to wear a pantyliner "just in case".

I see this thread is 2 years old, but I just wanted to add that I am currently taking Megestrol 180 mg a day and was warned of the appetite increase. I asked my Gyn for suggestions to loose weight and she had me go to a diet clinic that gave me Phentermine to curb my appetite! The diet doctor was a former Gyn so I trusted that when I asked if I could take these two medications together I'd be alright. I've been on both for 2 months now and was able to loose 20lbs even while on the high dose of Megestrol I do exercise for 45min- 1 hr every day