Estrogen and Tamoxifen? What's the deal???

breastquest

I just don't really understand Tamoxifen. After all I've read, it seems to block hormone positive cancers from going to the breast. Ok, I get that.... but does it lower all estrogen in the body equally? After menopause estrogen is naturally depleting...… but, the body still produces it. As a result of taking it, does the estrogen then go stronger to other areas as a result? Causing new health problems??

The body just goes downhill with lowering estrogen--affecting your bones, brain, heart, emotions, not to mention what it does to your appearance..... So, is Tamox the 'anti-hormone replacement' drug? So, to save us, it destroys us?

If anyone understands the true nature of Tamox and estrogen, let me know. It seems very complicated....

SUPer52

I am definitely not an expert, and I'm sure that some of the more informed members will be along to post with some helpful explanations, but I had the same question you did when I was first diagnosed. My sister was on tamoxifen, but I was put on an aromatase inhibitor. From what I understand, tamoxifen doesn't reduce the estrogen your body produces but instead prevents the estrogen that is circulating in your body from binding with the estrogen receptors of any cancer cells by binding to them instead. The aromatase inhibitors, such as arimidex, actually reduce the amount of estrogen your body produces. Since the aromatase inhibitors reduce the amount of estrogen, there are side effects you mention such as reduced bone density, etc. Tamoxifen has its own side effects, but they are different because tamoxifen doesn't inhibit the production of estrogen. Hopefully some others will chime in and explain this better than I did.

gb2115

Tamoxifen most definitely does not lower the tamoxifen in your body. It blocks estrogen at certain receptor sites, thus essentially starving out estrogen receptor positive tumor cells.

Because of this, tamoxifen has it's own set of side effects, many caused by too much estrogen. "To save us it destroys us.". I believe that's accurate for pretty much ever cancer treatment, unfortunately. It has a ton of side effects (I'm three years in, with a ton of side effects), but the metastatic recurrence statistics are way too high without it, in my opinion.

Tracy1968

Hello,

I’m new to this site and has a lumpectomy in January. I’m just starting my radiotherapy and the surgeon has given me tamoxifen. I have been trying to trawl the internet for advice as I really don’t want to take this drug. The side affects sounds awful and I’ve been looking into black cohosh and sage but Im really stuck on what to do.Any help would be gratefully received.

Thankyou

Moderators

Hi Tracy, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

While some of the experiences on tamoxifen may seem undesirable, there are many members here who also have very minimal side effects, and many members feel the benefits outweigh the risks associated with this medication. You may find it helpful to introduce yourself on the very popular Bottle O' Tamoxifen thread and ask those who have been taking this medicine for there experiences.

In addition, there's helpful information on the main Breastcancer.org site all about Tamoxifen, including how it works, who's it for, and what to expect.

We hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you around the boards! Welcome again!

--The Mods