Community Member
a year agoCan anyone weigh in on the effects of tamoxifen in over 70 year olds? Why do so many women stop taking it in the second to third year?? Best wishes to all on this journey!
Accepted Answer
Tamoxifen can indeed present unique challenges for women over 70, and discontinuation rates do tend to increase in the second and third years of treatment. Many factors can contribute to this pattern, including side effects that may feel more pronounced with age, interactions with other medications, or changes in overall health status. The decision to continue or modify hormone therapy involves weighing benefits against quality of life impacts, which can shift over time. This community is a wonderful place to hear from others who may have navigated similar decisions - hopefully some members will share their experiences with you.
3+ patients found this helpful
Community Member
6 months agoI just read that 1/3 of women stop treatment after 3 years. It might be the side effects.
Community Member
6 months agoMy oncologist recommended 3 years to be on it. I have minimal side effects
Community Member
6 months agoI have many side effects with Letrozole, another AI. I plan to stop after this first year. It’s important to feel good, not just be cancer-free. My 2 cents.
Community Member
6 months agoI only took Letrozole for 9 months. My period came back after 2 yrs of not having one. I read AI is sometimes used to restart the ovaries for fertility problems. My doctor said that isn’t true and put me on exemestane and the same thing happened so I don’t take any AI anymore.
Community Member
6 months agoIf you are pre- menopausal you should also be taking Zoladex hormone blocking implant with Letrozole
Community Member
2 months agoTamoxifen can indeed present unique challenges for women over 70, and discontinuation rates do tend to increase in the second and third years of treatment. Many factors can contribute to this pattern, including side effects that may feel more pronounced with age, interactions with other medications, or changes in overall health status. The decision to continue or modify hormone therapy involves weighing benefits against quality of life impacts, which can shift over time. This community is a wonderful place to hear from others who may have navigated similar decisions - hopefully some members will share their experiences with you.
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