Arimidex vs Tamoxifen

Lynette

I've been taking Tamoxifen for the last few months. My doctor gave me a blood test in order to see if Arimidex would be better suited to me. The test is supposed to determine whether I'm menopausal as Tamox is for pre menopausal women. My question is which is better? Thanks in advance.

wallycat

How old are you?

My doctors ---gyn, onco and breast surgeon---have all said you cannot go by blood tests to determine menopause status in a certain age range.  A blood test captures THAT DAY of hormones, and it may not represent a cycle high or low in estrogen/FSH or leutenizing hormone.

I'm 52 and still get crampy and had a spotting of period in Feb so my onco is keeping me on tamoxifen.  I wish I were in meno for sure because I have ILC and some studies say tamoxifen may not work for it.

Member_of_the_Club

Aromatase inhibitors like arimidex are slightly more effective than tamoxifen.  It isn't a huge difference and if there is a reason not to make the change, you are well covered with tamoxifen.

Lynette

I am aged nearly 50 but I'm had problems with hormones since late 30's. Thanks for your reply. The bloating a fluid retention is getting to me and I though Arimidex might be better on that front. Thank you for your replies.