Managing Hormonal Therapy Side Effects
Jun 11, 2025
World-renowned breast cancer expert Dr. Hope Rugo offers strategies for the most troubling side effects.
At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Hope Rugo, MD, chaired a session on managing the side effects of new breast cancer treatments and also presented information on how to manage the side effects of hormonal therapy medicines, which are used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Rugo explain:
- ways to manage the side effects of tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors
- why talking to your doctor about side is crucial to managing them
- her advice for people who are having side effects from hormonal therapy medicines
Comments
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I was diagnosed in April of this year with stage Ia invasive duct carcinoma. I had a wide excision and then received 19 sessions if whole breast radiation. I started 10 mg of tamoxifen every other day two months ago. I am participating in a research study called “low Tam. “ Since being on tamoxifen, I have had pelvic pressure, low black pain, and maybe interstitial cystitis or just a bladder pain syndrome. Any advice or help for me?
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Hi @enojada ! Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so sorry you haven’t received any responses yet. You may find more feedback if you post your question in our very active discussion called “Bottle o Tamoxifen", where many members share their experiences and tips while on tamoxifen.
We’re here for you, and we hope you’ll find the support and understanding you’re looking for.
Sincerely,
The Mods
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I had breast cancer in 2013 Im now having problems with dryness having pain and sore vagina I need Estrogen to help with this problem is there any creams on the market that I can use and tell my doctor thank you x
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Welcome @pepper69 to our community!
We're so sorry for the reasons that bring you here, but we're really glad you've found us. You're sure to find this space a wonderful source of advice, information, encouragement, and support — we're all here for you!
The side effects you're experiencing are very common after breast cancer treatment and menopause. You might find this page on Treating Vaginal Dryness helpful, as well as our pages on Vaginal Moisturizers and Lubricants and Vaginal Estrogen.
We hope this helps. Welcome again!
—The Mods
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@enojada check out interstitial cystitis association web site. I believe they have a list of doctors that work with this condition (I had it for years before bc dx- hasn’t been exacerbated by lexatrole) If you are dx’d with IC/painful bladder, A low dose tricyclic antidepressant like amitripyline or nortriptyline can help (has worked for me anyway). Dosage is lower than what would be used to treat depression when these meds are used to treat pain. So something worth discussing with doctor if you get the diagnosis Physical therapy for pelvic floor problems also can be helpful and some physical therapists specialize in this
Check out if different foods or drinks make symptoms worse— ie things that are spicy or acidic. Coffee can really trigger pain (I can drink cold brew as it’s less acidic). Different people have different food and drink’s sensitivities
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Thank you for the advice anjou7. I will be seeing medical oncology on October 3 and I will discuss with them. My gynecologist did mention pelvic PT. I don’t think the irritation is coming from foods, I’ve looked at all the triggers and I’m not a coffee drinker or a spicy food eater.
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