Tamoxifen Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage Them

Are you experiencing side effects from Tamoxifen? You're not alone. In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs offers expert advice and practical tips to help you manage the common side effects of Tamoxifen, ranging from hot flashes to mood swings and brain fog.
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Disclaimer: Yerbba KZbin videos are for informational purposes only, do not constitute medical advice, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical team, mental health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

[@traceydonnelly2449]

My oncologist he is not good ,you walk in he says nothing for about 10 minutes after keeping you waiting hour over appointment time,then he just gives brief no helpful answer

[@luticia]

In my experience, there are not a lot of good oncologists out there.

[@yerbba]

This sounds really hard. It sounds as if your oncologist does not have enough resources or enough colleagues to take the best care of patients as he probably wants to.

[@wintersnow5547]

I felt iam forgettable .of taking TAMOXIFEN..I am thinking to stop.BUT THER ARE SMALL LUMP IN MY UNDERARM

[@mctaylor8465]

This is off topic of this particular video, but was wondering Dr. Griggs If there is possibly of explaining what a Seroma is, what causes them, how they could be prevented and what is the treatment to resolve them.. I have had 3 surgeries..2 of the 3 a seroma developed, the last 1 took 5 months to resolve!!!..I just had an axillary lymph node biopsy and guess what??!! another one has developed..if you have already done a video, would you please direct me to it?? Thank you so much. Your informational videos have been so helpful especially the ones addressing the emotional impact of breast dx, sharing with family and friends, the waiting for results, etc.. Dr. Griggs, you share so much kindness, understanding, and compassion..Thank you..

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the question. We do have a video describing seromas (check it out here kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYXbgYWPYqiLoLs). We are happy to respond to your question as well. When tissue is removed, the body fills up the cavity with our own serum (the liquid part of blood). They say, "nature abhors a vacuum," meaning that when something is removed, something else fills in that space. The seroma will stay there until the body fills in the area with new, normal tissue and the fluid is reabsorbed into the body. For people in whom the seroma causes pain, a needle aspiration can be performed to remove the fluid and relieve some of the pressure. Because the fluid is likely to reaccumulate for the same reasons it developed, medical teams tend not to do this very often. There are some surgical techniques that surgeons use to decrease the likelihood of a seroma developing, but it is not entirely possible to prevent a seroma from forming. Keeping surgical drains in place until fluid has decreased in volume is another strategy.

[@mctaylor8465]

@@yerbba thank you for your explanation regarding seromas. It's a long story, there was a drain and it was removed I think prematurely..after removed much more fluid built up and would not stop..my surgeon thought it was due to the surgery performed removed all tissue to the chest wall after having 6 1/2 weeks of radiation.. what ever the reason, my surgeon was truly upset, profusely apologetic, and did everything possible to address the situation..note. the 1st surgeon made a mistake of not removing tissue to chest wall(lobular ca) and 2nd surgeon attempted to correct the error, but she did not become my surgeon until radiation was completed..

[@CCClubSC3]

I have been taking 10 mg (1/2 dose) Tamoxifen per day for a month because of side effects. I am still having the same side effects as 20 mg. Doesn't that indicate that the 10 mg are also working?

[@LovelyLauren83]

I find that my oncologist is not really helpful. I report things and she has no resolution or suggestions on how to manage any side effects... so I consider the interaction useless.

[@airamsipuola5045]

You should consider finding a new one then -- unfortunately, you need to be your own advocate and find someone who will listen to your concerns and work to find solutions. I hope you can find one.

[@yerbba]

We hope the information we've provided in our videos might help you discuss options with your oncologist.

[@laaaday]

Why are some people treated with only tamoxifen without ovarian suppression? If tamoxifen blocks estrogen and AI lowers estrogen, why not take both?

[@yerbba]

Tamoxifen is sometimes used alone without ovarian suppression, particularly in premenopausal women who retain their ovarian function and who had a high enough risk of recurrence that chemotherapy was recommended. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors, while aromatase inhibitors (AIs) lower overall estrogen levels in the body. Taking both isn't typically recommended because each has its specific role, and combining them can increase side effects without providing additional benefit.

[@MLM111]

You’ll need a double hip replacement for crumbling bones and suffer arthritis or extremely sore muscles taking this drug, to the point of being unbearable. Two breast cancer clients I know had the exact same experiences taking this drug … it’s horrible. Cancer treatment isn’t treatment

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your experience. We're sorry to hear about the struggles you've witnessed with these side effects. Some cancer treatments can indeed come with harsh side effects like bone and muscle pain, and it can be incredibly tough on the body. If the side effects of a treatment are becoming unbearable, it's worth discussing other options with your care team-they may have suggestions for managing symptoms or adjusting treatment plans. Tamoxifen actually strengthens bones and decreases the risk of hip fractures. It is likely that your experience and that of the people you know is related to something else, including other treatments for breast cancer. Wishing you the best.

[@JanetMarsh-ji6rj]

My oncologist has suggested I change from Letrozole to Tamoxifen but I am concerned that this may accelerate the growth of my large 8cm uterine fibroid. I have been on Letrozole for 7 months and have every side effect except hot flushes. I am 66 years old and have been told my risk of recurrence is high. Should I change or not?

[@yerbba]

Great question. It is possible that tamoxifen may increase the size of the uterine fibroid, but it won't necessarily happen. Another option would be to change to a different aromatase inhibitor. Many people find that switching helps a great deal with their side effects.

[@hannah5245]

Vitamin E (tocotrienol not tocopherol)

[@SofiaAhmad-rp8sm]

I take letrozole,my side effects is fatigue

[@yerbba]

Fatigue is a common side effect of Letrozole. Finding ways to manage it, such as light exercise, proper hydration, and adequate rest, can sometimes help.

[@alleynehowe]

Dr. I’m on Evista, video please

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the suggestion! We are working on a video about bisphosphonates. Additionally, we’ll work on creating a video about Evista. Make sure to subscribe to stay tuned!

[@EveDallas]

This is my third week on tamoxifen and I have started to have bad cramps like I'm having my period. I have been miserable for 2 daya

[@yerbba]

We're sorry to hear you're experiencing this. Cramping is reported as a side effect by some people when starting tamoxifen. To help manage the cramps, try using a heating pad on your abdomen, staying hydrated, and doing gentle stretching exercises. The hope is that your symptoms will decrease soon. If they don't, reach out to your medical team. Wishing you relief soon.

[@marydittmer3982]

You have mentioned nothing about the mood swings that tamoxifen can cause. These have been very problematic for me.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for bringing up the mood swings caused by tamoxifen. It can be incredibly challenging to deal with these emotional ups and downs. Many people find that incorporating regular exercise, mindfulness practices like meditation, and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage mood swings. Additionally, joining a support group or talking to others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort and practical advice.

[@pt.adityamahara7428]

Possible side effects of tamoxifen in males? Can 10mg weekly cause serious side effects?

[@yerbba]

Tamoxifen can cause side effects in males, including hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings. The dose of 10 mg a week is unlikely to cause these side effects, however.

[@kimwestra2961]

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer almost 15 years ago and was prescribed Tamoxifen. I had the worst brain fog. Another side effect for me that you didn’t mention was that my bones hurt. I stood a lot at my job and wouldn’t sit down at the computer when I had to enter something because when I stood back up I just hurt for an hour and it wasn’t worth sitting for that short amount of time. When I took my lunch break for an hour then the discomfort of getting up was worth it. It was a very hard drug for me to endure. Thank you for your information!!!

[@yerbba]

Tamoxifen can indeed have really tough side effects like brain fog and muscle and bone pain. Thank you for sharing your experience; it helps others know they’re not alone.

[@anneryan2597]

I didn’t see anything about endometrial problems.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the question. Tamoxifen can cause thickening of the uterine lining. Cancer of the uterus is extremely rare. Some people stop having periods, some people have irregular periods.

[@pursukoon]

If the patient is ER negative ,PR positve and HER2 negative. Is tamoxifen still prescribed to the patient?

[@yerbba]

Yes, tamoxifen can still be prescribed for a patient who is ER-negative and PR-positive. Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen receptors, and it can be effective in treating PR-positive breast cancer even if the cancer is not ER-positive.

[@pursukoon]

@@yerbba ...how much will be the effectiveness of this drug? I mean if a patient avoids this hormonal therapy, would it be ok or dangerous?

[@fathimaabdulcader6832]

Does tamoxifen have any impact on the results of oestrodiol testing?

[@yerbba]

Yes, tamoxifen can impact the results of estradiol testing in premenopausal women but not in postmenopausal women.

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr.Griggs, for your pharmaceutical advice.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching! We're glad you found this video helpful.

[@blancaalvarez743]

How about hair loss?????

[@yerbba]

You're absolutely right-while hair loss (and more often, hair thinning) is less common with tamoxifen, it can still happen and is definitely distressing for those who experience it. It’s an important side effect to acknowledge, and your concern is completely valid. It's important to make sure that there is not another cause for your hair loss. Thyroid conditions are one thing that are very common and can cause hair thinning and loss. There are other things that can as well. Talking about this with your primary doctor is important to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

[@sneeziemunchkin3472]

Can Tamoxifen cause hair loss?

[@yerbba]

Yes, tamoxifen can cause hair thinning. This side effect is reversible. In people with hair loss, there are other conditions that should be ruled out, such as thyroid disease. The hair thinning from the aromatase inhibitors is more common and more pronounced.

[@blancaalvarez743]

That’s My question cause I’m on 2 months taking it and my hair is falling like crazy!! I’m considering to stop.

[@dinamicat6729]

What can help against itchiness?

[@yerbba]

Itchiness can be so uncomfortable. Many people find relief using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and antihistamines. Your medical team may be able to adjust your medication or suggest other topical treatments to help manage the itchiness. It would also make sense to see your primary doctor to rule out other causes of itching. Acupuncture has also been reported to help.

[@dinamicat6729]

@@yerbba Thank you!

[@dm8553]

I was prescribed Anastrozole but i never took it. I had stage 0 and chose to have a mastectomy and an implant inserted because i had a 3 inch area of calcifications. The surgeon said i would lose half of my breast anyhow. The side effects are horrible and I'm not willing to deal with them. I'd rather take my chances. My surgery was in January of 23. I am now 69 years old.

[@sabrinarahman7409]

Diagnosed when u r 23 years old? and now 69 years old? Please reply

[@dm8553]

@sabrinarahman7409 no, my surgery was January 20 2023. I'm 69 now.

[@yerbba]

Deciding not to take anastrozole is a personal choice, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. After your surgery, it sounds like you made the best decision for your situation especially because you had non-invasive breast cancer. In people who have invasive breast cancer, the benefits are more substantial than in non-invasive cancer.

[@daphadila]

Can you post a video about the side effects of Arimidex along with Zoladex? These side effects seem to be real problematic for quality of life. Even with diet and exercise, the hot flashes and bone pain are no joke. You are the best! ❤️

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the suggestion! Managing those side effects can be tough, and we want to provide as much helpful information as possible.

[@rakhisavla8484]

Can you please talk about uterine polyps seen after taking tamoxifen