tamoxifen

I started taking 20mg tamoxifen three months ago. It's still early days but I don't think I am experiencing any major side-effects. I did take a half dose for 4 weeks prior to that as I read somewhere it may help minimise side effects (although my oncologist didn't agree). Anyway the only side effects I have that I think are definitely related to tamoxifen are mild hot flushes and I think it is inhibiting my periods. I did get one in between chemo finishing and starting tamoxifen and I still get abdominal cramps sometimes like a period pain but no period. I'm 47 so the chemo wasn't quite enough to push me into menopause but I guess I'm not far off it.I am pretty careful with my diet and exercise 3-4 times a week. I do find if I relax a bit on those fronts me weight starts to creep up but that has always been the case. I don't think it's any harder to maintain my weight now than it was before tamoxifen. I do also wake up very early somtimes (around 5 or even earlier) and can't get back to sleep. But again, I've had sleeping issues in the past so I'm not sure that it's any worse now. Just one other thing, I do find the sleeping problems and hot flushes are worse if I drink alcohol. Otherwise tamoxifen hasn't been too bad for me, thank goodness. I hope it is okay for you too. Good luck. Janet