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Tamoxifen and gynecological risks

Mel78
  • 3 replies
  • 45 subscribers
  • 467 views

I’m concerned about the gynaecological side effects and risks of Tamoxifen.

I have a history of ovarian cysts and am currently attending the gynae clinic for various issue caused by polyps, fibroids,cysts and womb thickening .

I also have a very large cyst on one of my ovaries that is being monitored by ultrasounds and may need surgical intervention if it hasn’t shrunk by my next ultrasound in June.

I have had to have surgery in the past for a cyst that burst.

I have very heavy periods with mid monthly bleeding and pain and bleed for more of the month than not, for which I have been prescribed Methenamic Acid, which comes with its own set of serious side effects and risks..

Considering this, I am a bit surprised I was even prescribed Tamoxifen..

 My questions are:

Will Tamoxifen worsen these conditions?

Do you have any experience with women with these existing conditions who have taken Tamoxifen?

Do you have any experience with women who never had these conditions who developed them while on Tamoxifen?

Will I be at a higher risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer because of these conditions if I take Tamoxifen?

I appreciate you may not know the answers to these questions and may have to refer me elsewhere but I’m looking for some guidance as I am not willing to start taking it if it is going to worsen conditions that already make my life a misery

Thank you for any advice you can give me

  • Hi Mel78,

    Thanks for getting in touch.

    I can appreciate that you have a number of questions about the side-effects of tamoxifen, especially due to your gynaecological history.

    I wonder whether you have discussed these concerns with your gynaecology and breast cancer teams. If not, then it would be advisable to do so. They are in the best place to offer specific advice and information as they are familiar with your medical history and have access to your hospital records.

    Here is an idea of some questions you might like to consider asking to ensure that you make an informed decision about tamoxifen treatment.

    I see that you have already joined the breast cancer forum on our online community, and hope you are finding this supportive. There is also information and support available through the charity Breast Cancer Now.

    I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can speak with the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Best wishes,

    Jo

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    Ref/SMJ

  • in reply to Jo - Macmillan

    Thanks Jo, no I havent been able to discuss it with anyone as I wasn't made aware of these particular risks when I last saw the specialists. I only know about them after picking up the prescription and checking the side effects... I'm not due to see anyone until about July now, so will hold off starting it until then.

  • in reply to Mel78

    Hi Mel78

    Thanks for getting in touch with us and welcome to the online community. My name’s Simon and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I do hope that you found the information in response to your original post helpful. It’s unfortunate that the potential side effects of Tamoxifen were not discussed when they were prescribed for you, particularly considering your gynaecology history.

    However, we would not suggest that you delay starting the Tamoxifen until July when you are next seen at the hospital. It is important to take the medication as prescribed in relation to your breast cancer treatment.

    If you have a breast care nurse, we suggest you contact them as soon as possible to discuss your concerns. If you do not have a breast care nurse, then you can contact your consultant’s secretary at the hospital. They should be able to arrange a telephone conversation for you with one of your treatment team before you start your Tamoxifen.

    I hope this information is of some help.

    Best wishes

    Simon:  Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/SMJ/ AHR

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