Tamoxifen Side Effects: Considering Alternatives to Hysterectomy

I’ve only been on it for one year but am hoping I will hit menopause after 2 years then switch to AI. Are you close to menopause? I think the only option if not would be a hysterectomy or Lupron shots with Aromatase inhibitors. Could ask Dr about options. Like every drug, I hear bad things about Lupron and others that said it wasn’t too terrible. You seem to be more than half way there!! I’m sorry this is happening..

I’m still premenopausal. I would like to look into a different medication. One that doesn’t cause uterine issues. I hear the alternative affects your bones but you have to be menopausal.

I had the same issues with Tamoxifen and I ended up getting a hysterectomy. Best thing ever, I don't have to worry about getting cancer in my uterus now.

Did you have many side effects from the surgery? How was recovery time? And the pain?

I didn't have much pain after the procedure and I recovered without complications.

Thank you ❤️

Doctors have a new way how they do a hysterectomy. The procedure is different and less painful for the women. After the procedure I felt like I had some mild menstrual pain and after a few days I was pain free. Talk to your obstetrician. Good luck

Yes. In fact you don’t even have to have everything removed. Can actually pick and choose uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.

I choose all of it, don't want to chance it. I have not regretted it yet

I also had that recommendation (hysterectomy) almost two years ago, still want to do it but really affraid do that..help me what should I do?

I have an appointment with a gyn surgeon to talk about all of this soon. I don’t really want another surgery, but it seems like i must either take the tamoxifen and it alters my uterus and deal with all that or don’t take the tamoxifen and risk bc coming back. Funny thing is, my oncologist says there is no benefit of getting hysterectomy done, but they don’t seem to think having yearly ultrasounds and uterine biopsies due to changes because of tamoxifen are a big deal. They are to me though. I don’t like gyn appointments at all.

I wonder, is your oncologist s male? I rather had the hysterectomy than having these visits and having to worry about complications. I think, we have enough on our plate and we should not have to worry about problems or even cancer of the uterus or ovaries. I am doing fine after the procedure. However, it is your decision. Good luck

Strangely enough, Female! I have not really felt heard by this oncologist, especially regarding side effects.

This sounds like such a challenging situation, and many people in the breast cancer community have faced similar difficult decisions about tamoxifen side effects and treatment alternatives. The concerns about uterine changes and the prospect of additional surgery are completely understandable, and it's natural to feel torn between treatment options and quality of life considerations. Consider discussing with your oncology team about alternative hormone therapies that might be suitable for your specific situation, as there may be other options that could work for you with different side effect profiles.