How do you cope with depression from hormone therapy like tamoxifen?

I was on anastrozole for 3 months then switched to Letrozole 3 weeks ago. Hate both. Insomnia. Night sweats, sometimes day too. I’m tired. It’s affecting my work. I’ll give it a bit more. Bought menopause patches on Amazon.

Thx, Sandra. My insomnia is debilitating. I think that’s the hardest part. Tell me about the menopause patches. Do they help? Is it safe to take them if you’re HR+?

They say “drug & hormone free”. Melatonin plus other herbs. Just started this week. Who knows? I really haven’t researched. Bought them to try because I was desperate.

I started on letrozole, too much joint pain, switched to Anastrozole- on it for almost 3 weeks and experiencing joint pain and stiffness again. I don’t know if I can put up with this for 5 years. I just had hip replaced and was doing so well. Has anyone tried other hormone blocker meds? I was told there are 4 that I can try.

Letrozole about the same as Anastrozole for me. I was up last night. 2am 3am 4am 5 am 6 am. I need to work and be functional. I have a dr. appt later this week. We shall see and I will share.

I wanted to switch to this medication. I have been taking Tamoxifen 5 months. I don’t like the daily fatigue I feel. My mood swings are terrible. I cry so easily , I get irritated easily.

I think if you are older (I am 68) the side effects are not as noticeable because we’ve been dealing with them in some form or another anyway. That being said I am on Letrozole since May . Everyday brings a new side effect. I don’t experience insomnia because I am so tired all of the time . I keep active though. I feel like my joint pain gets better if I push though it and walk, swim or ride bike . Chronic UTI because of extreme dryness EVERYWHERE were awful . ( vag supps with hyalauronic acid and tons of moisturizing , cranberry, etc has helped. No UTI since July 14.) Dizziness is the one I havn’t been able to manage so I’m hoo going to talk to my oncologist about it. Oh and forget drinking alcohol. Not a big drinker but enjoy a beer now and then . Makes me sick now . Not easy but I’m hoping it prevents recurrence.

Same, Maya

Yes! I was miserable on 20mg tamoxifen - moody and struggling with suicidal ideation (I am under the care of a therapist and psychiatrist). Spoke to oncologist and we cut the dose to 10mg and I am feel much more like myself. For sleepless nights I drink a cup of Beam Dream which helps!

hey Marie, I’ve been considering asking my oncologist to reduce my tamoxifen, as well. I’ve been struggling on 20 mg.

I’m on letrozole too and dealing with most of the same stuff — the insomnia, hot flashes, and joint pain are no joke! I’ve been using WYLD THC/CBM gummies to help me sleep (usually just take half). Sending hugs and strength to all of us pushing through these awful side effects. 💕

I've been on Letrozole for 6 months and have experienced depression since then. Hard to know if it's from the diagnosis, the drug, or recent widowhood. My therapist, also a breast cancer lady, thinks it may be the Letrozole and thinks I should talk to my oncologist about switching or taking a break. Not sure what I'll do.

If y’all don’t know what to do on these big pharma drugs why don’t you ask the most important question. “Why am I on these debilitating aromatase inhibitors in the first place when my chance of survival is not really affected?”

Monica, consider a dose reduction, and see if you feel a little better. I just cut my tamoxifen in half. Looking for less insomnia and depression.

Jeanne, YES! That is exactly the question. All of them are endocrine therapies. If your mammoprint reveals you are low or ultra low risk, studies show that endocrine therapies will have limited benefit. If your cancer cells have the PIK3CA mutation, endocrine therapies will be of limited benefit to you. Same goes for chemotherapy. Do your research, and don’t let the medical industry push you around. They mostly paint by the numbers. My oncologist never even looked at my mammoprint to see my risk result. Even if she had, she doesn’t know anything about the connection to chemo or endocrine therapy success rates. I went through chemo for nothing. Even though I had stage 3 breast cancer, my mammoprint score was .027, putting me in the low risk category. I had to request to see it. Now I know too late that I didn’t have to go through chemo. I’m NOT going to be on endocrine therapy for 10 years, as recommended. I’m not even going to be on a full dose for 5 years. Without any endocrine therapy at all, my risk of recurrence is 3% after 20 years. That’s good enough for me, and I’m going to stop this madness of sleep deprivation and depression.

Vicki F. Well said!

Thank you, Sandra

Have any of you tried taking your dosage every other day?

I literally cut my tamoxifen pill in half and take it every day.

The emotional side effects from hormone therapies can be incredibly challenging, and many people in this community have shared similar struggles with mood changes during treatment. These feelings are valid and worth discussing with your healthcare team, as there are often strategies and support options available to help manage the mental health aspects of cancer treatment. Please consider reaching out to a counselor who specializes in cancer care or asking your oncologist about resources that might help make this journey more manageable.

It’s been a month since I posted. I have no idea what happened. I am still on Letrozole but the hot flashes and night sweats disappeared. My dr. doubts it was the herbal patches I used but who knows? He thinks my body got accustomed to Letrozole. It was like a light switch turned off (that quick) after 5 months of hell. I do still have insomnia so let’s see where this goes. I will update.

Thx for the update, Sandra

I am 70 andwas diagnosed with invasive lobular cancer.I am 17 months post lumpectomy and 20 radiation treatments. I had a small amount of cancer in the closest lymph node and they removed 2 . My medication for the first year was Anastrozole and Kisqali. I experienced the arthalgia and joint pain and gained 12 lbs with the “menopause belly” returning and I hate that. I switched to Letrozole and had the same symptoms so I have now started Exemestane and hoping for less side effect. My dr also suggested taking tart cherry suplements for the joint pain and achiness so that has helped some. Everytime I think I want to stop I am reminded of my dr saying “you need these medicines to prevent your cancer from returning” so I am embracing that I need to be at peace and grateful I have access to the medicines. Hang in there and keep reaching out and asking questions. Sarah

Erica, I am now taking 10 mg of tamoxifen, and I also feel much better!