I’ve shrunk!

SophiaMarie

I stopped taking tamoxifen last December after taking it for 5 years. I just recently realized that since then, my height has shrunk almost an inch!! I then found a study that showed the possibility of accelerated bone loss after stopping tamoxifen. 😡 I see my oncologist next week, and am trying to research to prepare. I’m going to make sure we schedule another bone density test, but I’m assuming there must be an issue there. Does anyone have experience with this? I’m post menopausal. I’m increasing my calcium and some other supplements, working on being regular with weight bearing exercises, but could this be enough? I just dread going on more meds.

Veeder14

Hi SophiaMarie,

From what I understand, the Tamoxifen is a SERM med that actually gives your bones estrogen while blocking it to breast tissue. So, that helps to keep you from loosing bone (maybe actually increasing bone) until you stop taking it. You can ask about another bone building medication to start on.

I've got osteoporosis and been on and off several meds for years before cancer but finally stopped because they were making me sick. So now I guess I'll get an added benefit from suffering through 5 years of Tamoxifen.

Congratulations on finishing Tamoxifen!