What are the pros and cons of taking Tamoxifen?

I have been on it since March 1st. And honestly I really don’t notice it. I stay active, work out, walk lift weights. I have some new neuropathy in my right arm, but that could be from the cording and lymphedema I have since my surgery. I do get mild night sweats, and some hot flashes, at night but nothing to bad. I also take it at night. So not sure it is related to

Waiting to also start 10 mg every other day - how about you ?

I’ve been on tamoxifen since November 4 2024. I’m 57 and post menopausal. When I started I felt like I was having hot flashes, but I was also sick with Covid then some kind of stomach bug so not sure if it was just being sick. My doctor put me on tamoxifen because before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was seeing a rheumatologist for my ANA. I had a lot of joint pain aches and pains, and he said that aromatase would make me really have a lot more pain. So he felt hammock was the better choice. I changed my diet. I eat a lot more healthier no alcohol except maybe on vacation. And I have been doing the 30 minutes of exercising on a walking pad and trying to do some weights. And I would have to say that all the aches and pains that I had from seeing a rheumatologist for years are 95% better and I feel like I don’t really have any side effects from Tamoxifen once in a while I might feel a little hot flash if I’m doing something or it gets high, I’ll feel it come up my neck a little bit but at night I have no problem sleeping. The one thing I do notice is that I feel sleepy at night right around the time I take the pill. But I don’t know if that’s just from me being active exercising, etc. I worry that because I don’t have any side effects that it’s not working. But the doctor says it doesn’t mean that. Of course, being post menopause I wanna be on the best drug for my age. But I’m not too afraid that aroma tea would give me side effects. I was DC IS stage zero grade 2. It was small like 4 mm I chose for a lumpectomy and then after talking with two radiologist, I decided that I was not gonna do radiation. Due to the size of the tumor 

Ive been on it since Sept. take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. My hair thinned a bit and my skin looks like sandpaper but other than that no issues. I lost 11lbs the first month I was on it. Haven’t gained it back yet…

I have always had really lovely skin and bouncy hair - so another reason I really don’t want it ugh

My sister had it for 5 years - no side effects, no breast cancer reoccurrence. I was on it for 6 weeks and had rare blood clots in my lung

Ive had debilitating fatigue and brain fog

How long have you been on it And what dose? 20?10?5?

I was on it with no side effects but it didn’t prevent cancer from coming back on me.

Michelle R Did you get another Breast cancer ? are you ok? I do hope so

Cindy G what ANA and what’s the word hammock mean in your post?

Carol S - I ended up starting to take it. 20mg daily. I take it at 730 every night & my usual week night bedtime is around 845 (I get up for work about 445 M-F). So far not terrible from what I can tell. Only been 2 weeks so far.

My doctor tried me on two aramatose inhibitors, and the side effects were quite horrible in my hands. It was the same for both drugs. Then a couple weeks ago she switched me to Tamoxofen even though I am postmenopausal and so far I'm doing fine on it. My hands are still quite painful even though I've been off the AI for quite a while very interesting. Hot flashes don't bother me one bit with either drug.  I had a double mastectomy about a year ago. Had cancer in both breast one was ductalThe other was lobular were both invasive and pretty small.  my office score was 14 for one and 16 for the other so I had no chemo. Thanks to everyone for all your information.

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I started tamoxifen 10 mg on 5/1. I take it in the morning before eating. I have some headaches and aching, mostly in my calf area. I was worried about blood clots so started taking 324 mg aspirin when I have pain. I have night sweats at least twice a week and my libido has changed. So a little of everything...maybe it's just me overthinking & making myself anxious. Good luck 🙂

Thanks DP

Google Tamoxifen ask about the pros and cons. Many years ago Tamoxifen was prescribed for me

I have googled and don’t like what I read and on here either I don’t know why doctors prescribe something that really hurts your life !

I agree better go see another Oncologist

Tamoxifen can bring both benefits and challenges, and it's completely understandable to want all the details before starting. Many community members have shared their experiences with this medication - some find the side effects manageable while others face more difficulties, but the potential protective benefits are often significant. Consider discussing your specific concerns with your medical team, and know that this community is here to support you through whatever questions come up along the way.