Lack of hot flashes on Tamoxifen

Rather or not you get SE has nothing to do with rather or not it's working.  I never had any 'hot flashes' when I went through natural menopause at 44 in 1990.  I had none on chemo (A/C and Taxol) and have not had any during my 4+ years of Femara/letrozole.  We are each so unique and our bodies react differently to different things.  'Hot flashes' are but one possible SE (many do experience them) but it is just that a SE like many 'things' are and some might experience them - others don't.  If you were given a med for other health issue and you did not develope any of the possible SE, would you think they weren't working?

I agree with Kicks and besa.  I've been on tamoxifen for three months without a hot flash or night sweats.

hope70, I have just started Tamoxifen. So far, no SE's. I am curious about the test you mentioned though. What is the purpose of the test? Is it a standard protocol to take it while you are Tamoxifen? I am post-menopausal, but have osteoporosis, so opted against Armidex, at least for now. Thanks!

http://infoonco.es/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/breast_cancer_2.2013.pdf
Actually the use of CYP2D6 testing is controversial right now.  The NCCN Guidelines currently recommend not to test.  (See page BINV-J in the above link.) My understanding is that studies  looking at CYP2D6 genotype, tamoxifen use, and survival have inconsistent results.   My current insurance will not cover the test....
http://www.jnccn.org/content/7/2/203.abstract
From the above link:
"The authors do not currently recommend routine testing for CYP2D6
genotype for making clinical decisions regarding tamoxifen. Use of
concomitant strong or intermediate inhibitors of CYP2D6
should be avoided when alternate medications are
available. Ongoing research is directed toward identifying other
polymorphisms
that may influence the efficacy and safety of
tamoxifen, other hormonal agents, and chemotherapies used to treat
breast cancer.
The hope is that in the future, not only
tumor-associated factors but also germ-line host genetics can be used to
determine
whether a woman should receive treatment, and with
which specific agents, to prevent breast cancer recurrence or death or
avoid drug-related toxicities.
"

The thought is that other genes (polymorphisms) besides CYP2D6 may be playing a role.  The feeling is that consistent, good data needed to decide about testing is just not available yet....

Thanks for the info ladies! I haven't seen any SE's yet. A light night sweat last night. 

Have a great day~

Yes - my personal take on things is that the jury is still out for CYP2D6 testing.  I decided not to test but that is just my view and in retrospect it may turn out that I was wrong.  Lot of times there are contradictory reports and then hopefully after some time things become clearer and a consensus is reached.   (Also as an aside when looking at published articles and trying to figure things out- all medical journals don't carry the same weight.  It is much more prestigious and difficult to get a study published in certain journals. ) From my perspective you have nothing to lose by talking to your doctor about testing - it will just give you more information.  I may help you decide what you want to do.  (Thought I didn't have hot flashes I clearly did have some side mild effects from tamoxifen -- I lost weight while taking the drug.  I had very occasional leg cramps. And I had an endometrial polyp that needed to be dealt with.)

When I asked my MO about post-menopausal symptoms while taking therapy, she suggested that it would be similar to the symptoms you had when peri-menopausal, if you have gone thru it. I think I am going to ask her about the test anyway, to get her take on it. I know there is always new information, treatment and research, but sometimes it seems as though we are still in the dark ages....I hate things to be so gray!