Hi, I am new to the forum but just looking for some reassurance I am not alone and hopefully some advice.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in April this year. I had a lumpectomy and lipofiller to reconstruct my breast followed by a course of radiotherapy.
As my cancer is hormone PR & ER positive I am now taking Tamoxifen. I am 56 and was really struggling with Menopause prior to my diagnosis and was on HRT at the time to help with my symptoms. I was devastated I had to stop the HRT and absolutely terrified of taking a hormone blocker given how bad my symptoms were prior to this.
I have been taking Tamoxifen for 3 months and have been suffering from fatigue which has become worse in the last few weeks. I initially took the Tamoxifen in the morning as advised but suffered from terrible flushes and night sweats along with disturbed sleep. About a month ago I changed to taking in the evening and this has definitely helped the hot flushes and night sweats but the fatigue is worse and I feel like my head is full of cotton wool and walk about like a zombie.
I had initially hoped the fatigue was as a result of the radiotherapy and my body healing after surgery but I am now thinking it is the Tamoxifen which is causing it. I feel so awful I am not sure if I will be able to continue taking for the recommended 5 years. The other side effects are manageable but I am struggling to cope with feeling so tired.
Will this get better? I am hopeful and am trying to manage as best as I can. I exercise, eat healthy and gave up alcohol a few years ago so feel like I am doing everything I can.
Any advice would be appreciated as I feel totally alone in this.
Hi Les666
Welcome to the MacMillan community. Our community is divided into sections by cancer type. You might like to join our Breast cancer forum by clicking the link I have just made. I am one of our breast cancer community champions. My own cancer doesn’t have oestrogen receptors and I was already menopausal so I don’t have personal experience of coming off HRT and taking Tamoxifen. I have seen many similar posts so don’t think you are alone in having these types of side effects. On the breast cancer forum I think you will find many people with similar experiences who may have advice for you.

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007