Tamoxifen and Hot Flashes: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• January 5, 2012

"I started taking this medicine after an abnormal mammogram and biopsy found precancerous cells. I have really bad hot flashes several times a month, some joint and leg pain. My menstrual cycle is regular, but I experience nosebleeds the week before. My hair started to thin about 3 months after starting this medication, that has pretty much subsided, and I am going on one year now. I do get a little more irritable than usual, but all in all, things are pretty manageable now. So only 4 years to go!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 12, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 2 DCIS in 2015. I had a mastectomy, chemo, and radiation. I have been on Tamoxifen for 4 years. I’ve experienced hot flashes, vaginal dryness and tearing, dry mouth, urge incontinence, thinning hair, etc. But the hair on my legs is also thinner!"

• RNa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 7, 2021

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "At age 58, I was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC in Oct 2017. Had a mastectomy in Dec 2017. Refused to start aromatase inhibitors for the first year post-op due to side effects. Tried AI for a month after the oncologist convinced me, and I had side effects of terrible muscle pains and cramps, hot flashes that were severe, and severe constipation. Was also put on Effexor to help against side effects. I stopped both of these and asked to be put on tamoxifen, but at a lower level with my argument being that the San Antonio University study in 2013 documented that 5 mg was enough to keep cancer from reoccurring and the 20 mg caused greater side effects. Also, an Italian study states the same. My oncologist doesn’t like it, but I take the 5 mg dose daily, at night. Still have insomnia, hot flashes, muscle pains, and cramps. Also, my BUN level is high. Is this drug worth being on with these side effects? I’ve weaned myself to 2.5 g per day, and symptoms are a bit less."

• Ney...
• July 27, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at the age of 32 and had my mastectomy on Oct 28, 2020. I began taking the tamoxifen in Feb this year (2021) and stopped after a few days. After visiting my oncologist, I realized how important it was that I continue with the medication. I’ve taken the medication consistently for two months, and within the months, I’ve experienced hot flashes, insomnia, leg pains, and mood swings that have interfered with my life. Counseling is a great help along with my support system. On top of this, I can’t begin freezing my eggs until after being on the medication for three years. There are a lot of sacrifices I have to make and realities that I have to face at now age 33. I want to live and will do what’s necessary to make sure that I give myself that chance to."

• SCM...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 17, 2025

For Breast Cancer "I have been on tamoxifen for a year and a half and have found that once I stay active and eat mostly whole foods the side effects are minimal or none at all. I have had instances where I'm unable to exercise for a few days and the mood swings, fatigue, and hot flashes hit me like a stack of bricks. Once I'm able to find the energy to start exercising again, the side effects usually go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 8, 2013

For Breast Cancer "I took Tamoxifen for 5 years with very little side effects. I had some weight gain, but nothing I could not handle. I had hot flashes in the beginning, but finally went away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 14, 2014

Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer "Bones hurt a lot, hot flashes were really bad."