Tamoxifen and inflammation

Question

Diagnosed April 2023 and completed treatments with partial mastectomy and reconstruction. Been struggling on Tamoxifen with inflammation in my hip and knee’s. Dec 2024 needed biopsy’s for two new lumps which were clear…thank goodness. I have mammogram next month to check lumps and both breasts&nbsp;[Moved by Moderator for&nbsp;Mandy_79&nbsp;from Activity section: 04/03/2025]

tri · Answer

Hi @Mandy_79 I am sorry to hear about the inflammation in your hip and knees. Whilst I am not on Tamoxifen - I am on Letrozole, an oestrogen suppressing aromatase inhibitor - it seems from the threads here that the side effects associated with “hormone therapy” can include inflammation, although people experience this to varying degrees.&nbsp;Have you been able to discuss the aches you’re experiencing with your oncologist or GP? How rotten to have pain in the hip and knees. I have read that some folks’ doctors get them to try &nbsp;different drugs that target oestrogen and sometimes it seems there’s a positive result with one drug that is better for them than others.wishing you the best ❤️

arpie · Answer

Hi @Mandy_79 Definitely talk to your Onc about it before stopping it.&nbsp; Most of us have some sort of side effects from the hormone treatment (some very lucky ones, don't!)There are 3 other Hormone treatments that may suit you more - ask your Onc about then.&nbsp; When is your next appointment?&nbsp; If it isn't for some months, try and get an earlier one.I tried 2 others in the first 6 months, before settling down with Anastrozole for the next 5+ years.&nbsp; It suited me much better.take care &amp; all the best&nbsp;

iserbrown · Answer

@Mandy_79 Hi!&nbsp; As @arpie has said above, please get in touch with your Oncologist.&nbsp; Not everyone settles into medication but eventually the body does adjust.&nbsp; It has been diagnosed for a reason hence letting them know that Tamoxifen is causing you terrible discomfort opens the opportunity to find something else that suits better!Take care and best wishes

blackwidow · Answer

Do discuss the problem with your oncologist.&nbsp; After a long discussion re the benefits vs side effects mine agreed to cease the damned drug.&nbsp; What will be will be but in the meantime I can live a happier more comfortable life.&nbsp; A friend has never been on it and she is cancer free 10 years later.&nbsp; All the best.

mandy_79 · Answer

I need to make a decision on whether to keep taking it. Tamoxifen just doesn’t suit me at all :(