perimenopausal starting tamoxifen

nowhining

My doctor just called in a prescription for tamoxifen.  I have been through different drs and she is excellent and thorough and wants me to start this.  I don't have breast cancer.  I had atypical ductal hyperplasia removed and have sclerosiing adenosis growing in both breasts.  I have the whole array of perimenopausal symptoms including migraines that my drs can't seem to make go away and am afraid of starting tamoxifen but know I have to. I know that the key to catching breast cancer is stopping it quickly.

Has anyone out there had experience with tamoxifen and perimenopausal symptom combinations?  Could you give me some insight please? Thanks

idaho

First:  You don't HAVE to take tamoxifen.  You can try it and see how you do, but you don't have to.  Does your doc KNOW that what is causing your breast problems is estrogen fed?  If not, it won't do you any good to take tamoxifen.  I know they are doing studies about giving tamox to women with breast abnormalities but I have not seen any results.  From what I have heard taking tamox can cause severe menopausal symptoms and I am about to find out, I start next week..... Good luck to you, Tami

Anonymous

Do you have family history of bc? With ADH alone, the usual recommendation is just to be vigilant with regular breast exams and mammos. Doctors will often recommend tamox if there is family history in addition to the ADH. My SEs were relatively mild, mainly hot flashes. (I just finished my 5 years of tamox--I'm high risk from the combination of LCIS and family history). As Idaho said, you don't have to, it is your choice.

Anne

leaf

I started tamoxifen perimenopausally.  I probably had a slight increase in perimenopausal symptoms (warm flashes).  I've had endometrial polyps and irregular bleeding.  But I don't know if I would have had these anyway.  (I had all 3 symptoms before starting tamoxifen too.)

Each person is different.  Some people have almost no side effects, and for others it ruins their quality of life.

As Tami and Anne said, you don't have to - its your choice.  If you want, you can start it, and if you don't want to continue it, you can stop.