Anyone pre-menopause taking Tamoxifen?

Hi FlippingCancerOff

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer.  While I don't have an answer for you I noticed that you haven't any answers yet so I thought I'd reply to you to welcome you to the community.  This reply will move you up to the top of the discussion.  I suggest that you also put this question into the Breast Cancer for the under 50s forum.  Here's the link to that forum: Breast cancer for the under-50s forum .

Wishing you the best of luck with everything.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thank you! You are so very kind. I'm gonna have a look at it now. And ditto, I'm sorry you're here too  

Thanks FlippingCancerOff.

Hi, 

I was 49 when I got breast cancer in February 2018, I was pre menopausal and wasn't prepared for the next 5 years plus to be honest. My surgeon didn't explain to me what would happen once I started Tamoxifen but I soon found out. What you need to remember is that everyone's path and symptoms are different but I am happy to tell you about my experience with Tamoxifen.

After about 3 months of being on Tamoxifen I started to get new symptoms, such as brain fog but the worst was the hot flushes. I remember my mum saying about them when I was younger but I didn't realise how much it could affect you. My hot flushes were really bad, especially at night where I'd sweat so much my bedding would be wet, sounds awful to even say it now but that's how it was, I'd hate anyone saying hello and giving me hugs for instance because my clothes would be wet, so I'd try to avoid it because I felt too embarrassed to tell people.

Unfortunately, I still get the hot flushes now, I came off Tamoxifen in March, however, they are much less frequent now and I don't sweat as much as I used to. 

Although this has been my journey, it doesn't mean you will have the flushes as bad or for as long. 

I was considering whether to reply because I really didn't want to worry you but I know I wished someone had told me so that I could prepare myself. 

I hope your journey is going well and that you have had all your treatment now. Take care of yourself and try not to worry. 

Sue x

Thank you for sharing. I honestly appreciate it coz I would rather know than not know. I imagine these hot flushes to be horrible and I have the same concerns you shared about being in public and close to people. I guess we all hope we are the few % that don't have the hectic symptoms...so I'll still cross my fingers but prepare for the worst.

Hi, I also had breast cancer at 49 years of age and pre menopausal.  I had started taking Tamoxifen 1 year ago, when the hot flushes and sweats were worst.  However over last 6 months things are calming down as my body is getting used to the medication.  Initially I had to switch to 10mg twice a day as I could not tolerate 20mg once a day which made the symptoms so worst.  I had to choose between feeling embraced by drenching sweats during day time or lack of sleep.  Halving the dose meant the symptoms were not as severe, so do check with your Oncologist if you can. Start with half dose twice a day.  I also went for an oracular Accupuncture (took 4 sessions) which I found very effective for controlling hot flushes.  It is part of after cancer care in my area, you may have similar, just check with your breast are nurse.  All the best.

Hi, I’m in exactly the same boat, albeit I’m in my 40’s, I’d not noticed any peri menopause symptoms prior to my diagnosis.Started around x3 weeks ago and so far so good. I had a blip around day 5 with headaches, and almost feeling a bit ‘hungover’, but have since levelled out. Good luck with it all, shelley 

Thank you! I hadn't heard about use of acupuncture before so will definitely look into it. I've been asked to start on the 20mg and see how my body reacts before they make any changes

It's good to hear I'm not alone! Hungover feeling without the party night before just sounds cruel :) 

And thank u! 

Totally, I keep saying that to my friends, lols. Like you, I’m nervous of other side effects creeping in at some point,

I have a good sounding board in one of my bosses friends who has been through breast cancer - however with the tamoxifen she’s been on for years she has never noticed anything different, she’s been super lucky so it is possible you could sail through too.

I’m optimistic and found some good ideas in this thread incase things do change. Have a lovely weekend all x