Testing White Taking Tamoxifen

Veeder14

Are patient monitored that are taking this drug? Like getting blood tests that indicate whether the patients hormone level is decreasing?

MelissaDallas

Your hormone level doesn't drop because tamoxifen has no effect on estrogen production. It just keeps the estrogen receptors from taking it up

jojo9999

In fact, tamox can cause ovarian cysts and high estrogen levels. It was originially investigated for infertility uses and also birth control!

Veeder14

Hi jojo9999 & MelissaDallas,

I was confused, I thought it was supposed to lower the estrogen levels. Aren't the side effects of hot flashes, night sweats in menopause due to low estrogen levels.

ksusan

It blocks some estrogen receptors. It doesn't block estrogen production. This means that any measurement of circulating estrogen may still show a higher level. Tamoxifen works by keeping the estrogen from attaching to some cells where it would attach and be used under normal circumstances--for example, in the breast.

EastcoastTS

My MO checked estrogen levels initially -- but they do not do this routinely. I think it was to determine where I was on menopausal journey. (Due to age...I'm close to M...but so far, no banana.) Some MOs check more often.

gb2115

MelissaDallas is correct, tamoxifen does not lower estrogen levels. It blocks uptake at the receptor site on the estrogen positive tumor cells. I am not a doctor or scientist, but I believe that the hot flashes women experience while on tamoxifen are definitely due to hormone levels in some way, but not necessarily that they are low. I say that because of what I've experienced. I <<only>> get hot flashes mid cycle, during ovulation which is when you characteristically see high estradiol levels. So high estrogen. The rest of the cycle, when hormone levels should be lower, I don't hot flash at all. It's very regular with that pattern, though it's a 7 week cycle now instead of 4 weeks. I believe this is from my tamoxifen because I never had a hot flash in my life until about 3 months into taking the meds, and I'm 39, so nowhere near menopause. So it's not like something else is causing that.

So yeah, they don't routinely check blood tests because there's nothing useful to test. They will monitor you for side effects though, at your oncology follow-ups.

Veeder14

Thanks for all the information ksusan, EastcoastTS, and MelissaDallas. I guess I didn't know a thing about how this medication worked. It hasn't been recommended to me yet yet but I worry about taking medication or treatments where progress can't be measured. It's just determined from past research.

I sure wouldn't be looking forward to hot flashes and night sweats etc., Somehow I sailed right through to menopause with no symptoms and just glad to end monthly cramps. That was 10 years ago.

MelissaDallas

If you are menopausal and endocrine therapy is recommended it will more than likely be an aromatase inhibitor -not tamoxifen.

Veeder14

Thanks for that information Melissa Dallas. I'll search aromatase inhibitors.

LoveLau

so am off tamixifen fir 3 weeks. Getting back on soon. I have bad depression dr thinks it's from antiestrogen.

I want to live but I have no desire to live. Need to get back on antiestrogens soon.

Antidepressants are not working. I want to live... I want to agony to end. I hate my famy seeing me so I'll. I want stop talk g about it. Went for shock therapy consult. The psy said ok I am candidate. I want it if it will work. If the depression is due to chemical imbalance in my brain from estrogen will shock work? Anyone with that experience? Age 70.

Veeder14

Hi Lovelau,

I'm sorry to hear your suffering from depression due to Tomaxifen and the anti depressants aren't working. It might be good that the Psychiatrist thinks that you are a candidate for ECT. You might want to call the office with further questions about whether the treatment will work if caused by the Tomaxifen. Sorry, I can't answer your medical questions. Keep in touch to let us know how you are doing.