Tamoxifen questions

Hi Angie,

I took it for 4yrs, and was pre menopausal and had ZERO side effects in that time. I think you are right, the closer you are to menopause the more side effects. I had a recurrence last year after 4yrs on it, so am now on Arimidex as Chemo through me into menopause. Melinda xo

I take my Tamoxifen with dinner...(only so i remember to take it!) .....my GP recommended to take it at night as it seems to eliviate side effects....I've probably only gained 2 kilos back of the 11 I lost while on chemo.......I can honestly say I only experience 3-4 hot flashes a day....but the approaching summer weather and my new head of hair growth may change that! I'm told it can cause muscle aches, which I have and i find my legs have lost strength...i.e climbing stairs is a real chore! I am seeking to tell my GP about htis on my next review.....I also have joint pain, but I have OsteoArthritis so I can;t really tell if it's the Tamoxifen.....it's been 4 months since i started hormone treatment and can say t's not as bad as i prepared myself for.....but everyone is different.....wishing you all the best!

Hi, I am also new to Themo, am 41yo. Started 2 months ago. For the first few weeks I took them just before sleeping time. Big Mistake. I was waking up at nights, couldn't get back to sleep.
Once I started to take them in the morning (first thing when I wake-up so I won;t forget, they wait for me next to my bed) - and problem solved. Everyone is diffrent but for me mornings are best.

Take care

Hi
I am 4 years out of Chemo/Radiation  treatment and Mastectomy and have been on Tamoxifen since 2012.  I have been very lucky not to have too much in the way of hot flushes or pains the only issue is the weight gain no matter how much I try to exercise and eat well the weight just hangs in there.  Have been told by my doctor that research is now saying to stay on the medicine for over 10 years.  And i am fine as I am still here thank goodness.

Hiello Angie,
 I started taking Tamoxifen almost 3.5 years ago. I take mine after dinner.Hard to know what symptoms I may have after all the treatment I have had,. Chemo sent me into menopause, this had started hot flushes. They were never really bad and I really don't register having them. I had put on some weight but I wouldn't blame Tamoxifen. My oncologist said this would be hard to lose, but I have lost 20.5 kg in 24 weeks.
All I can say is to be very aware of uterine hyperplasia and polyps due to Tamoxifen, if you ever have any concerns get it checked out. I am tokd I now have to take this for 10 years.
Redards
MichelleW

Hi Chanel. I'm wondering how long you have been on Tamoxifen? In my early weeks I felt much like you. I saw a great GP and started having cattapress for the hot flashes. It has helped. They are still there but not as bad. My headaches eventually went. I think they were worse with not sleeping. I use either Wagners Magnesium Sleep, which also has ziziphus in it (great for hot flushes), or ethical nutrients Triple Action Sleep Support, also great for hot flushes. Both I checked out with my GP as safe with Tamoxifen. I keep them next to my bed. Swallow one & read for about 20/30 mins then am fast  asleep. You can redose during the night. I've only done that once. No tiredness or hangover feeling the next day. 
If you are feeling depressed it's a good idea to speak with your GP or oncologist or maybe breast care nurse. Perhaps tamoxifen is not for you. I was able to change on to Arimidex after 8 months. I feel so much better. 
It's hard and exhausting isn't it. I hope things improve quickly for you Chanel xo
janine

I'm having headaches nearly every day, and am also feeling slightly depressed . I have to make an effort to change my mood.  
My enegy is low I feel tired , and can't remember what it feels like to have a great night sleep. Oh and yes hot flashes. All sounds a bit miserable but I'll keep taking it . I am hoping it will settle after a while and I can feel more like my old happy self. 
Its a challenge but worth it if I am cancer free .  Xxxx

Hi 

I took it for 5 years at night before going to bed and it put me into menopause. I was 46 years old , the first time I had breast cancer.  Only side effect was hot flushes . Currently ( breast cancer again ) I'm on Femara for 10 years, been 2 years so far and hot flushes again! 

Hi Angie,

I started Tamoxifen in 2011 and was in my early 40's. I had no side effects that I could really say to be honest. I was on it 4yrs, took it at night. Doesnt matter when you take it, you should be absolutely fine. Im on Arimidex now as I had a recurrence at my 4yr mark last year. Hugs

 

Melinda

Oh I used to take Evening primrose oil years ago as I had heavy periods and lots of tummy aches and it certainly helped.  Now to know they can help with the hot flushes is of interest.  Thanks for that.

Take care

Christine  xx