Top Tips for Tamoxifen Side Effects | Breast Cancer | Dr Liz O'Riordan

Top Tips for Tamoxifen Side Effects | Breast Cancer | Dr Liz O'Riordan
Tamoxifen side effects - how do you cope? All you need is this video. I"m a breast surgeon who's had breast cancer and I've taken Tamoxifen myself. I'll give you my top tips on how to cope with all the side effects - hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, brain fog, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. I'll give you questions to ask your doctor if you're still struggling and a secret bonus tip at the end that might just do the trick
I'll be covering muscle aches and pains in my video on the Aromatase Inhibitors, coming soon.
HRT Alternatives pdf from the British Menopause Society
thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uplo...
Speaker, Author and Storyteller - www.liz.oriordan.co.uk
Author ‘The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer’ - buy it here amzn.to/3R0EA72
Podcast - Don’t Ignore The Elephant
Instagram @oriordanliz
Twitter @Liz_ORiordan
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[@nancykunkler7403]

I don’t have breast cancer but am trying to lend prayer, understanding and support to a friend who’s recently had a terminal diagnosis. Thank you for your helpful videos.

[@corinnecourchaine4416]

My oncologist said the side effects were tolerable but already struggling with multiple mental health diagnosis and trying to help my 70 year old father being while I'm depressed in bed for 13 days at a time was not tolerable for me. I'm done fighting with doctors and won't take tamoxifen again. If the cancer comes back I'm better equipped to deal with it.

[@jg8867]

I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 40 went on estrogen replacement therapy for 20 years. That didn’t really help my libido. At 60 years of age I got breast cancer, my husband left after 38 years of marriage. I had two surgeries and radiation, I turned down chemo. I was put on Letrozole for five years, because my mother had a reoccurrence after going off tamoxifen after five years I stayed on the drug. I have been on for almost 17 years, I will be 77 years old. I no longer care about sex drive, I have no problem with masturbation. I’m still going to the oncologist twice a year and have a yearly mammogram. My aunt had a breast reoccurrence after 18 years. My mom died at 52 of ovarian cancer. I do not have the BRACA gene. I will continue the letrozole for the rest of my life. I never thought I would get to age 77!

[@DrLizORiordan]

Thanks for sharing this with us x

[@elizabethbeth9930]

My gosh im so sorry but you sound like your thriving!! Thats scary that your mom got it while finishing tamoxifen. Im suppose to take it for 5 years. Is letrazole the same as tamoxifen.

[@gingerjoy5836]

Thank you for sharing🙌🏼🩷

[@landb3893]

I’m 66 and had very early stage DCIS with a micro invasion. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and did start tamoxifen….and then quit. Sorry, I just couldn’t. I developed diabetes, my thyroid numbers went insane ( I have Hashimotos) and I was mentally unwell…worried about what else this was doing to me. As a very active woman who loves to travel I didn’t want the blood clots! I do everything I should…I don’t drink, s some, I eat an amazing diet that is sugar free. I weight life, walk my legs off and love life. Tamoxifen was ruining me.

[@DrLizORiordan]

Thanks for sharing this with us

[@amymay2442]

I was diagnosed the same as you. Im about to start tamoxifen. Nervous about everything I read. Can you please tell me if you were taking 10 mg or 20 mg? If 20 mg did you try taking 10 mg?

[@lindajones4849]

You are doing alot to help yourself already. Frankly it sounds like this drug was damaging you and the decision to stop was a sensible decision.

[@marcomama1]

I had to stop Tamoxifen because I got 4 blood clots in my leg. The doctor wants me on another drug. I’ve been off of it for a month and I feel so good! I can sleep like a normal person. I was having terrible problems with insomnia some nights I wouldn’t sleep at all, how can a person work and be normal when you never sleep I really don’t think I want to be on anything. I feel lucky the clots were in superficial veins otherwise they would’ve killed me.

[@veronicaaaa3953]

​@@amymay2442i took 10mg although I was only DCIS not invasive and 51 at the time still having cycles and I now completely regret it...recently my GYN told me that I might have uterine cancer and wants to remove my uterus which I'm completely against without further testing. I apologize i don't mean to scare u but it is extremely important that you understand if its absolutely necessary for u to take tamoxifen. Search for all cause mortality on tamoxifen.

[@erohadjiyianni9305]

I’m in my early 40s and have been on Tamoxifen for over a year now and i was not prepared for the side effects. The first few months was ok but side effects started kicking in after 5 months. The last few months i haven’t been feeling like myself, i had low mood was emotional all the time, my anxiety was off the roof. I was overworking during all this, constantly pushing myself and ended up feeling burnt out and had to take time off from work to slow down and deal with things. I had really bad insomnia and night sweats both of which have settled down. I also had vaginal dryness and low libido which i’m addressing with moisturizers and lubricant - feeling much better. Last thing - i always had a flat belly and now i’m constantly bloated and feeling discomfort. I wish i had the right support from the beginning on how to handle this instead of just been told that Tamoxifen is my best friend, more like a necessary evil. I will take on your advice on upping the exercise which i feel helps a lot! thank you doctor!

[@DrLizORiordan]

I hope it helps x

[@dagmarvandoren9364]

How is,so much suffering possible...like in rhe middle ages....tu mur,sooo leid...sende alles Liebe. . Gott geben

[@Michele-zb6ll]

Thank you for this great post and encouragement, much appreciated. ❤

[@michaelacurran-cox528]

Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information. I have MS and had stage 3 breast cancer so brain fog is so frustrating and causes a lot of anxiety ❤

[@user-wt2vo1yz3g]

Thank you Liz for this video. Recently discovered I'd breast cancer. Surgery 3 weeks ago, awaiting radiation therapy and then on to Tamoxifen. I've had my doubts about taking this due to all the side effects but will roll with as your video was so informative about dealing with these. I thank you so much for all your videos. I was sorry to hear you had a recurrance. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[@sarahhardy4627]

I brought your first book. It was so helpful and great to see these vlogs.

[@DrLizORiordan]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@annaloph]

Thanks always Dr. Liz and best wishes to your health too 🙏🩺💖🌹

[@DrLizORiordan]

Thanks x

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Great video Thanks,Doctor Liz

[@DrLizORiordan]

Glad you liked it!

[@TRUTHisTRUTH70]

Another smasher, Liz! Thank you for all you are doing for breast cancer survivors. Hope you are doing well at this time; I think of you often with love, so hope those vibes are reaching you across the pond. xoxo

[@DrLizORiordan]

Thank you so much I'm glad this was helpful

[@Petchary]

I take Letrozole and I believe that the side effects are much the same. Thanks for this incredibly helpful video!!

[@raquelojedaromero]

Thank you. This video comes out at the right time, as I just started with tamoxifen and zolandex, and I'm 40, so my friends don't know much about menopause. It's all new to me. I will rewatch and take notes. Thank you. Hope your treatment is going ok

[@DrLizORiordan]

Hope the video helps x

[@LovelyLauren83]

I just started taking tamoxifen a month ago and it's definitely been a challenge. I am really glad that I have found your page. 🙌🏽

[@DrLizORiordan]

Happy to help x

[@misemefein-ws6tp]

Many thanks for the information.👍🏻

[@DrLizORiordan]

My pleasure!

[@Miss_Chick]

Thank you for making this video.

[@DrLizORiordan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolinaurrutia9398]

For me was a game changer to change the brand! Thanks Liz 🙏

[@DrLizORiordan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethbeth9930]

How do I change brand?

[@carolinaurrutia9398]

@@elizabethbeth9930 just buy Nolvadex of AstraZeneca ;)

[@stacymiller2730]

Hi Liz, I've been on tamoxifen for 3yrs as well as having ME/CFS. I felt my life was over and had lost the spark that made me me. I've been on mistletoe therapy as well as another homeopathic medication which has been trial and error. I don't how this works, but it helps. I don't feel as bleak and one of my old friends said she could see that the old me was back. Maybe this info will help someone else xx

[@kalpanasharma479]

Hi Dr. Liz, are the symptoms prevalent all the time?

[@CatherineLightfoot-jv2eg]

Thanks Dr.Liz. Def agree about the change of tabs. My regular ones were out of stock and they gave me other make. I was so sick after taking them. Thankfully,original ones cam e back. No sickness. Def worth a try

[@thejammiebricker2327]

Have read about people with other health issues not being able to tolerate any but one brand of their medication so your tip is excellent for other health issues too😊

[@DrLizORiordan]

definitely

[@AZAZ6190]

Hello and thank you for the videos.I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.After surgery I had chemo and radiation.Since then I do ormonotherapy.I am 48 years old and I would like to ask you how long I have to do injections(avercup 11.25 ????This causes serious problems does it?...

[@colleendooley3820]

What is the other rec tab?

[@anndavis1668]

Hi liz. Does having had radiotherapy not reduce reoccurrence of b c.

[@natalieabbatiello4998]

I've been on tamoxifen for 5 weeks now and I'm experiencing some abdominal pains. Nothing too painful just like mild period cramps but nothing I take seems to relieve it or make it completely go away. Is anyone else experiencing this or has experienced this?

[@susangrant2782]

Can you do a similar video about aromatase inhibitors. Joint and muscle pain is a real problem for so may of us. X

[@DrLizORiordan]

I'm scripting it as we speak

[@cassieoz1702]

Im 9 years post chemo and the biggest thing i noticed after treatment, was that i cant do mental arithmetic at all any more. I absolutely agree with 'write everything down'. I couldnt do without my diary and to-do lists as life is no less complicated.

[@DrLizORiordan]

Me too. I hate it but it works

[@nancyhamilton1993]

Mini studies that are not well publicized even though they’ve been around for many many years indicate that estrogen has nothing to do with promoting breast cancer after an occurrence. After a decline in my quality of life and coming across studies, that prove that I can continue with my HRT that will not increase my dying from breast cancer. Actually without HRT I’m more likely to die from many other things such as heart disease, death after hip fractures, and osteoporosis, and dementia. I have chosen to have a higher quality of health span versus lifespan if it needs to be.

[@user-fh3jx4kg8b]

Thank you liz ❤

[@DrLizORiordan]

You’re welcome 😊

[@MH-uc9rc]

Thank you so much dear dr ❤❤❤❤

[@DrLizORiordan]

you're welcome

[@rebeccakarlsson1395]

Thank you for all this wonderful information. I have followed your advice on nearly all of the tips and am doing pretty well after nearly 3 years on Tamoxifen. The only thing which seems to be getting worse is the brain fog. I’m wondering if this resolves after one stops the pills. I didn’t have chemo so can’t blame it on that.

[@DrLizORiordan]

I think the brain fog is just a thing that happens with the menopause -every woman goes through it.-

[@fricklepops9058]

I had to change after 5 years on tamoxifen due to brain fog. Was effecting my job & confidence.

[@roser.5402]

Would you please compare between Tamoxifen and Arimidex/ Anastrozole?

[@riantariniigam1104]

Thank you for the information about Tamoxifen. What about takinh supplement adjuvant such as Breast Defend with TAM, is it helpful preventing the side effect or lower risk of blood clot, please let me know dr. Liz

[@DrLizORiordan]

You need to make sure that supplements don’t interfere with how tamoxifen works

[@florancedias2630]

Hi Dr I am a recent breast cancer survivor 52 years old ER PR Positive H2 Negative...on temoxifen 20 mg....

[@lucyknight6036]

I am a scuba diver and have a trip booked in late October but have just started taking tamoxifen following lumpectomy for DCIS. Is there any reason I shouldn’t dive on tamoxifen or Would you advise I take a break from it for my dive holiday?

[@DrLizORiordan]

I’m not a diving expert but I can’t think of a reason why. Might be worth asking a dive medicine doctor?

[@tuhobolindira4976]

Thank you for sharing the information but does these tablets causes Gastric complication please advise

[@DrLizORiordan]

They can cause nausea

[@tuhobolindira4976]

Thank you doc

[@beeyongchai4701]

Hi Dr Liz...after taken 2 years of tamoxifen i am supper for Endometrial polyps...i am little bit worries..the other cancer will be come back. Last week my doc took the sample..i will know the result on this end of month. So horrible...hope everything going good soon.

[@DrLizORiordan]

Polyps are common after the menopause. I had them too. But still very scary

[@vilmavelazquez1979]

Dr Liz, can you do a similar video with aromatase inhibitors? I’m 50 but already post menopausal. I was diagnosed with stage 3 ILC ER/PR+ HER2-, grade 1 multifocal. My oncologist says I’m high risk for recurrence and wants me to take AIs and Verzenio for 10 and 2 years respectively. I’m having a mastectomy in 2 weeks and 30 rad sessions after I heal. Thank you!!

[@DrLizORiordan]

Scripting it as we speak

[@melissadelort3787]

UGH i needed you 2 years ago ❤ Ill definitely share and follow.

[@natalielong7804]

Hi Liz, a bit off topic here but I have a question I think you may be able to answer for me. I keep hearing that emulsifiers cause cancer, is there any truth in this?

[@DrLizORiordan]

Not as far as I know

[@Badger496]

Thank you for this, it’s really very helpful information. I have been on letrazole and examestane and am now on tamoxifen. The side effects aren’t nearly as bad on the tamoxifen as they were on the AIs (continuous hot flushes, nausea and weight loss) but the brain fog has started which is very disconcerting. I do still have frequent hot flushes but have been offered acupuncture and it’s making a huge difference. I found that v dryness was a problem with the AIs but that it’s the opposite with tamoxifen - almost a continuous clear egg white discharge that I used to get mid cycle - is that a known side effect because I can’t find anything about it. Once again thank you

[@rebeccakarlsson1395]

My MO wanted me in AIs because I have been post menopausal for 15 years. I chose Tamoxifen because I guessed it would have fewer side effects. I know several girls who have done both and they have told me so. Neither is great tho.

[@rebeccakarlsson1395]

Yes. Brain fog just keeps getting worse, and sometimes makes me do scary things. It’s getting to be a safety issue!! Wish there were more I could do about that one thing.

[@DrLizORiordan]

some women do get a discharge

[@DrLizORiordan]

You do get fewer SEs on Tam

[@DrLizORiordan]

sadly there's no quick fix

[@karenkurelis1985]

Dealing with extreme axiety and depression with anastrozole. They want me on prozac or another antidepressant. Will this work and advisable. I hate talking meds. Am doing CBT but not really working.

[@peternole5083]

Prozac interferes with tamoxifin. Other antidepressants are ok though.

[@kathleenphelan8708]

I had pre cancer and a lumpetomy two years ago. My doctor wants to put me on estrogen blockers because i am high risk. I already have night sweats and trouble sleeping and do not want to make it worse. What do you recommend?

[@DrLizORiordan]

I can’t give you personal advice I’m afraid. You need to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons

[@veronicaaaa3953]

Ask your doctor about all cause mortality regarding this medication...I wish I had 3 years ago

[@mythaichannel9082]

Started tamoxifen 4 months ago and I noticed the joint pain is more in my fingers and thumb and skin itches felt like a thousand bugs crawling on me was it one of side effects from tamoxifen?

[@DrLizORiordan]

It can be one of the side effects

[@CJenkinsMusicLover]

I’ve been waiting for this. Seeing my oncologist in a few days. What about fezolinetant and testosterone?

[@DrLizORiordan]

I don't know much about fezolinetant as there haven't been large trials. Ive done a few videos on testosterone which should help

[@thinkpositive3084]

How about Endoxifen? Thank you

[@DrLizORiordan]

that's the active metabolite of Tamoxifen

[@karenmcgroarty4187]

I changed the brand of T. I still had side effects. I am now on liquid tamoxifen I split the 20mg. I take 10 mgs in morning and 10mg at night. I am also on venlavaxine to help with side effects, brain fog, memory, insomnia.

[@DrLizORiordan]

I hope venlafaxine helps

[@karenmcgroarty4187]

Yes, it helps with insomnia, anxiety got flushes.

[@nahajaha]

Curry, curry is def worth it!! But to be serious. For me sleeping with just a merino bellywarmer on works wonders. And I do manual labour outside so I always have a cooling vest at the ready.

[@DrLizORiordan]

Ooh I might try that

[@mythaichannel9082]

@@DrLizORiordanhow do curry helps

[@lesliebarber5648]

Does tamoxifen may cause anemia?

[@dinamicat6729]

What about testing levels of the CYP2D6 enzyme to make sure the tamoxifen therapy is likely to work?

[@DrLizORiordan]

It's not about the levels of the enzyme, it's whether you're taking anything else that stops the enzyme working

[@TheRiocap]

After i startet tamoxifen i got rashes or something similar under my eyes

[@cassieoz1702]

Id already had hysterectomy and bilat oophrectomy (for different reasons) so i went straight to letrozole (until the first met came back triple negative)

[@DrLizORiordan]

Sorry to hear it came back

[@cassieoz1702]

@@DrLizORiordan meh! It is what it is. An isolated skull vault met (excised and patched) at 6yrs, an isolated L3 met irradiated at 7.5 yrs and otherwise well. It'll do me in one day but hopefully not for a while 😉

[@jennifersimmons964]

I'm on Letrozole, and can only take it 80 percent compliant, which means, for me - I take it 4 days on, one day off, I also take a lot of grapeseed extract daily too thought, which is a natural AI, and at least helps. They can never find any traceable estrogen or pro..forget how to sp that one.. But anyway, the side effects of Letrozole, are also not bad to the average, but even my nurses say, it's been horrbly hard on me.. I hurt level 8 pain daily, and I will feel like it's cancer spread to be honest, but last testing, it was not, and I hope, pray, and meditate, that stays the case, but I don't know how you would know if it's c spread or side effects, when you are suffering horribly.. anyway, just venting about the one I have to take.. I might end up not keeping on with it, if I keep getting worse with no evidence of disease.. I mean it has even shot my cholesterol up, and etc. :(

[@DrLizORiordan]

I'm so sorry you're struggling

[@jennifersimmons964]

t.y. for your beauty, brains, and compassion.. we love and appreciate you, all of us whom found your channel.. thanks Dr.!

[@ndimloved93]

I have non invasive ductual carcinoma in situ stage 0 her2+ i had a lumpectomy , try are recommending tamoxifen but i was thinking being that it has been removed why not clean up diet exercise and try some holistic treatments, clean your blood and correct hormones

[@angieposton8377]

Take the Tamoxifen. I’ve been on it for 8 months and have no side effects.

[@veronicaaaa3953]

I beg you to NOT rush into taking tamoxifen...I Completely Regret it! While u may have other risk factors that I did not its important that u know what they are...ask your doctor to be specific. I took 10mg for 3 years and now my Gyn is telling me that I should have my uterus and ovaries removed because I might have uterine cancer...this is directly tied to tamoxifen, again my situation might be different from yours but please take the time to learn what the "all cause mortality" is for tamoxifen

[@meoimthee]

Hello liz, do I still need to take tamoxifen after bilateral mastectomy?

[@DrLizORiordan]

Yes.

[@cassandrabell7351]

It's a contradiction to take a medication that makes you gain weight...I was taking hormones when I got cancer. Maybe that is why I got it

[@DrLizORiordan]

We know that being overweight increases your risk of getting breast cancer. Many women naturally gain weight at the menopause because of the effect on your metabolism

[@dagmarvandoren9364]

Good question...

[@marilinfykes7558]

🌸 *promosm*

[@lisathompson5500]

I'm curious why as a doctor you don't seem to know about animal fat for curing these issue. There have been tons of woman screaming the roof down telling every woman they see how eating fat has stopped or reduced every one of these symptoms. I know sounds crazy right? What I thought. I changed my diet to be a nutrient bio available diet. I now eat 120 to 150 grams of protein and 200 grams of animal fat....like real butter. AMAZING I know why they screaming from the roof top now. Every one of those symptoms gone...took some time and work since I've been eating this way now for 3 yrs. All of these symptoms are signs of nutrient deficiency, you need the nutrients not the pills and tonics. If you having this issue I'd get rid of anything that is not fatty beef, salt and water. Eat 1 gram of protein for every pound of health weight you want to be. So if you want to weigh 120 pounds you need to at least get 120 grams of protein a day from animal sources. If you are having these issue you should add in a stick of butter a day....some woman have to do 2 sticks, it just a matter of how nutrient deficient you are. I would start at getting in 200 grams of fat a day and if you wake up at night, take 2 tablespoon of butter before bed...if you still wake up put a pat of butter by your bed, when you wake up just pop that butter and go back to sleep....The relief is amazing! I'd suggest if you want to heal and get relief from these symptom you do it for 3 months and at the end of 3 months access how your feeling. Remember only fatty meat, salt and water in the mouth for those 3 months. I really think you all will be as amazed as I was, can't believe how many illness I've healed eating this way. Even my husband has noticed the difference, one day he came to me with a plate of cold sliced butter and said I think you need this...lol If you can't handle just doing beef, try doing the BBB&E, that is beef, butter, bacon, and eggs, of course you need salt and water, those would be the only things you put in mouth for 3 months. You will have to push through the detox your body will go thru, again depending how healthy you are is how long you will detox for. Most people are done in 4 days to 2 weeks. You'll feel tired, sluggish, just icky....but make it through that and it will be smooth sailing the rest of the 3 months. I wish you all much relief. These are terrible symptoms to have to live with. Feel free to ask question, the hospital sent me home to die...I did the research and here I am 5 yrs later thriving now...back to being able to walk again. No more seizures, no more restless leg, and many more illness that are gone including diabetes. A1C of 12 now 4.8. Just have to want life and be willing to put the work in!

[@DrLizORiordan]

I'm glad this has worked for you

[@anndavis1668]

Just don't take this toxic drug.

[@davdav3945]

I heard about the different brands as well in my selfhelp group. Thank you for all your tips and explanations 😊🫶🏽

[@DrLizORiordan]

you're welcome

[@davdav3945]

I actually asked for a certain brand in my pharmacy today as I have only mild side effects from this brand. Your video reminded me what other people in my group had told me before. 👍🏽😊

[@gingerjoy5836]

What about severe bone pain in spine and pelvis? I’ve had two bone scans, no cancer in bones. I’ve only been on tamoxifen 2 years, have 8 more to go!😭🦴🙏🏼

[@Saltine_American]

I chose not to take it at all even though they suggested 5 years only. I care more about quality of life than quantity and there is no guarantee or hard evidence to prove it will even work. People suffer the whole 5-10 years and still have recurrences. I’m rolling the dice.

[@gingerjoy5836]

@@Saltine_American Good for you!🙌🏼🥰 Praying all goes ok🙏🏼🩷 You are Absofreakinlutely correct, there’s definitely no guarantees. Praying for all of us🙏🏼🩷💜🩵