Topic: tamoxifen side effects

Lorax-you can email your dr with your question. I have found that they do answer emails as they can do it on their own time schedule.
femme

Lorax---tamoxifen  is  for both pre and post meno; evista and AIs are only for post menopausal; but AIs are not yet recommended for LCIS as they have not been studied with LCIS long enough. So if you're premenopausal, tamox would be the hormonal that they would recommend for prevention. I haven't read any studies comparing SEs from tamox on pre meno versus post meno, but I have taken it during both, so I guess I'm a mini study of my own! (the only problem is I had to have a total hysterectomy which put me into an immediate surgical menopause, so that messes up any control to the study).  My SEs did all increase significantly after my surgery/new menopausal status (due to the loss of ovaries and the sudden depletion of estrogen), but my SEs were very minimal BEFORE my surgery--very mild hot flashes, a little trouble sleeping mainly; annoying, but certainly manageable. (now achiness is more my issue). Most women tolerate tamox relatively well, you just hear all the problems here because this is where we can come and get support; those who are doing well just don't post as often.  My mom took it many years ago, had little to no SEs at all, and is now a survivor of over 21 years without a recurrence. I would just be sure to have a yearly transvaginal ultrasound to monitor both the uterine lining and the ovaries.

I am new to this tamoxifen thing too.  I am going on my 3rd week and so far I am just very tired in the evening.  I am 41 and have LCIS and ADH.  Sometimes I wonder why I am doing this at all knowing I might not ever get BC.  The only family history I know of is a second cousin and great aunt who both died from BC.  But it is constantly on my mind however, how long do I have till I get the diagnosis of BC.  I have a sick husband to worry about and two kids and don't have time to worry with me much.  Well anyway, just wanted to know how long it took to get any side effects if I were to get any at all.  Thanks for your input on this sight.  It has really helped me get through this.  I feel like we are going through the cracks since we don't have cancer but still have to go to an oncologist, and have all these tests to look forward to, go figure. 

Peg

Peaches, actually Arimidex, Aomasin, and Femara are offered to post menopausal women as a hormonal treatment.  I was on tamoxifen before my hyster and ooph and am now on femara. 

Lorax.....I had hot flashes and bone pain with Tamoxifen the first 2 months and then I was ok.  I have night sweats with the Femara but it is also due to not haing ovaries.  Good luck to you Lomax!