How many hot flashes a day is normal?

SunnyInSummer

I am trying to decide if I should be concerned about the number of hot flashes I am having.I've been taking tamoxifen since October, but the side effects really only kicked in for me this last month. The hot flashes are crazy! I get one every hour or two, all day and night, so at least 16 in a 24 hour period. The night ones cause me to have to change clothes! Will they ease up? Is this what everyone deals with? I don't want to complain, so if this is normal, I'll deal with it. I just need to know if it is normal...

Peacetoallcuzweneedit

Yep sounds pretty normal for the beginning....roll with it for now...and if they get too "life intrusive" talk to your doc - sorry you are going through them..they blow. I remember when mine hit. I had hysterectomy about three weeks before and on Thanksgiving they started...every 45min. I had to leave dinner and head home. ( funny I just made a connection...I started my period at 13 on Thanksgiving...and hot flashes on Thanksgiving at 47 - Thanksgiving is obviously my holiday..lol)

Salamandra

It is always a good idea to let your doctor know what's going on, especially if you have an easy way to do it. At the very least, it gives the doctor a better understanding of the range of side effects their patients are having.

I agree with peacetoall, a lot of tamoxifen side effects sort of ebb on their own if you give your body time to adjust. But if it's really interfering with your life, you don't have to wait to talk to your doctor, at least to give them a head's up.

For some women, changing brands, or adding something like gabapentin or Effexor, can help a lot with the hot flashes. But you don't know until you try.

SunnyInSummer

Peacetoallcuzweneedit, Thank You for the reassurance. Even though I’ve read about everything I ‘could’ experience, the actual experience has been quite unsettling. I appreciate knowing that this sounds in line with others’ experiences. It is amazing how much your words brought some level of comfort!!!

I appreciate your Thanksgiving story...I am thankful that you responded so I can put my mindat ease!! Thanks!!!

SunnyInSummer

Salamandra, Thank you for responding. I have an appointment in two weeks and I will let my doctor know. It is good to know these hot flashes may pass and it is good to know that there are meds, if needed, to help. I was just surprised that the worst side effects didn’t appear until 9 months after I started taking tamoxifen. I so appreciate your input! Thanks!!!!!