Dealing with Low Libido While Taking Tamoxifen

I thought I was the only one with a low sex drive. But it is good to talk with others going through. My husband understands but!!!!!!!

Having the same problem. I think my husband might be too patient as he's afraid of hurting me so he's leaving everything up to me. If I don't feel desired, I am even less likely to feel desire.

I have no drive. My husband understands, but I feel awful. I loved sex and we have had a great sex life. I’m hoping we find solutions to this when my body heals.

Same here. Total hysterectomy, no more progesterone pills, had to discontinue my bio- identical hormone pellets (my thoughts are that is what caused my cancer). Now on letrozole. I have almost zero desire or interest in sex. The bonus is now I am cranky too. 🤨☹️😩

The gift that keeps on giving 🫤

Same on all accounts. Just complete my 10 yr treatment on tamoxifen. Hoping I feel better soon. My right breast has shrunk to almost nothing and so hard from scar tissue. Thank you all for sharing. 😔

Vaginal estrogen is said to help.

My tumor was estrogen positive. Is vaginal estrogen ok?

I am 69- left lumpectomy followed by radiation - followed by weeks of dealing with radiation burns under my breasts . I keep applying Avenno liberally but still burn symptoms. I also have no sex desire and my husband (who has always been supportive and loving ) he says when I am ready ❣️. (I had total hysterectomy early due to increased bleeding and pains.)

@Betty M. New studies show that it is safe for hormone positive patients.

I am dealing with no sex drive which I was told is very common. Some days I feel my husband is understanding, but other days, not so much! 🤷‍♀️ is it bad that I really don’t care? It’s about me right now, not him….

My cancer center support group had a sex therapist come and talk to us about this very issue. Lack of desire is apparently very common on tamoxifen and the other hormone therapy drugs. One suggestion I remember is to try reading a sexy novel and see if that helps get your imagination and desire going!

My husband doesn’t really know what to do. All he knows is he needs sex and is not getting it. Trying to make him happy once a week but it’s not enough and I don’t even want it once a week. The day I shaved my head was very emotional, as I was heading out the door for a walk with a friend, he said he was very “antsy” and would like some action if I wasn’t too tired after my walk. Unbelievable, I said not tonight.

MD: what studies and shows what hormones are safe? I am very interested to read the studies. I’m taking Testosterone pills and use cream 2 times a week and use estradiol vag pills that help tremendously with dryness. But would love to know if other hormones like DHEA is safe

Sexual intimacy is not always drive driven. Sometimes it's just the gift you give your partner or spouse out of pure love. Teach him about the erogenous zones.....the back of your knees, the nape of your neck, his hand on your low back..... Close your eyes and imagine how making love would feel, what experience it would be for him and for you if those hormone drivers were there. Initiate! Drag him into the backyard and mess around on a warm summer day...... Take a shower together.... Wake before him in the morning and wake him from his dreams.... Fake it until you make it....

Same with me I have no desire at all and plus it hurts and he keeps asking when will I be off all my meds because I know that’s why. So happy to read I am not the only one and I’m 56 started my cancer in 2019

I thought I was the only one. I actually feel I might as well be a nun and I would be happy and damn good at it! Wallygene suggestions are solid and make sense, but I have no desire to even fake it until you make it. How can you fake it when you actually don’t want it? I am on Arimidex. My desired disappeared with the total hysterectomy. I even told the doctor, out with the baby factory and in with the playground! Boy I was wrong. Especially when it’s painful every time. Pain, dread and joy is a desire killer. But soft touches and caressing could be a spark ignitor, but the initiative takes a lot and longer, I mean LONGER (days)!to even see one flash of spark. A lot of patience from partner is required. I would love intimacy without sex, since it’s so painful. No cream has helped. They seem to think it’s instant and want you to be a “wham, bam thank you mam” kind of moment. When he thinks intimacy always leads to sex and expects it is also a killer for me. Be intimate without expecting going all the way is needed and would be respected. That would be helpful and a game changer. Hugs and kisses without expectations. Holding hands for no reason. Start that slow. It’s almost like you need to be coaxed, and loved emotionally. We are so emotional upset with this life changer it will be a lot of work, but I refuse to let cancer kill my love , hope, faith , friendships, courage. God bless all of us who have loving and caring support, not everyone has that Everyone everyday is doing their best to survive and is deserving of love. God bless all of us. I was triple positive, had a double mastectomy with an abdominal flap reconstruction. It was a 9 hour surgery. I was an 34H bra size, now down to a C-D. Despite my frankestine scars on my body I love how all my cloths fit better. I can now go strapless for the first time in my life . But there is no feeling up top at all just numbness and thankful no pain. I thank God every time I look in the mirror that I am still here. Not only do we pray for complete cancer free recovery but recovery for emotionally damaged desire killer for all of us. This journey has changed me and all who are around me are affected. But I am grateful and blessed and thankful because it has shown me how truly, for me I am so loved and cared for. I am blessed by all who are in my life and have great support. Hopefully sexual intimacy can and will be another miracle including with cancer remission. God bless all of us and our journeys

My Oncologist said that vaginal estrogen tablets are so site-specific and not systemic( not circulating throughout your body), and do not raise any risk for hormone-positive breast cancer. I have used a low dose for about a year and notice no increase in moisture levels. I think I'll save my money and stop. Sex continues to be too painful. Sad.

You can take Testosterone pills and use testosterone cream applied outside opening. Won’t compromise your recovery as it doesn’t convert and the Estrodiol pills help. You can also as you doc for pills (like the little blue pill men take) but for woman. I got some from my Naturalpath Dr. all of this together has helped our sex life and we have a weekly play date. If you’re wanting to pursue it not just for him, but you. 😊

I tried the Vaginal Testosterone prescribed by my Oncologist and it burned. I read about Replens natural vaginal moisture. What a game changer...it can be inserted every 3 days. I use it twice a week and makes sex less less painful. My sex drive is nill since chemo 1 year ago.

It’s no surprise that sex drive goes when chemo stops testosterone and estrogen then AIs stop estrogen, it’s chemical castration. How this can be an acceptable treatment is still beyond me. Vaginal moisturizers, vaginal estrogen, open talks with partners about the reality that this is physically induced and not to do with lack of attraction (if that’s the case) are really important. And asking for what you desire to relax and feel seen, heard, adored, relaxed is a path forward.

My oncologist said I shouldn’t use estrogen since I am estrogen positive . I use replens every three days and for me it helps. From what I have read they are still doing clinical trials. Good luck Betty Hopefully you will find something that will be best for you

I use coconut oil for lube but everything about sex feels different. I wanted to try one of those amazing creams I see on FB.one doc said estriol ok down there and the other said don’t chance it. I’m starting to dislike the smell of coconut oil :(

Try Glow Below by Glow Naturals

I’m highly ER positive my oncologist said no to any external creams or internal, no to rings and no to turmeric but I’m a size 16 and maybe being heavy is also making him extra cautious?