Tamoxifen for men, side effects

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1Mansearching4answers
1Mansearching4answers Member Posts: 1
edited March 2016 in Benign Breast Conditions

Hello,

While searching the web for information about "Tamoxifen", and known side effects I was brought here, "Breastcancer.org". Approx. 14-16 months ago I began noticing a soreness on my right breast area. At first I assumed it was a bruise, and that it would go away. It did not. As time passed I began to feel unusual growths around my nipple. They grew pretty quickly and seemed symmetrical around my nipple. I finally went to my PCP and he acknowledged the growths as abnormal. He ordered a right breast mama gram as well as ultra sound. The radiologist report diagnosed the condition as "benign", stating that the condition was "Gynecomastea". My doctor later told me not to worry about it. I had told him that that the condition seemed to coincide with a head injury (TBI) & that while researching the condition I found on many reputable medical sites that head trauma can damage the pituitary gland inside the brain and that hormone imbalances may occur. He looked it up on his IPAD and agreed that my condition may be caused by hormone production problem so he referred me to an Endocrinologist. She did blood work that revealed very low testosterone levels that can cause Gynecomastia. I knew something was wrong as I had lost all interest in sex & low T many times is the cause. My doctor was initially going to try Testostetone injections but changed her mind and prescribed Tamoxifen. The drug has reduced the size of my growths but I have had side effects, insomnia, frequent nighttime urination, increasing decline in interest in sex plus weight gain & big increase in appetite and food cravings. My question has anyone had these side effects and how can I I convince my doctor to Try testosterone as she knows it's what I wanted to try initially. My T levels are barely within the normal range but age adjusted my levels are of a man 30 years older than myself . I have many other symptoms consistent with low Tand they are severely decreasing my quality of life. How can I convince my doctor to take me off of Tamoxifen and try Testosterone? She is very arrogant and seems to dislike an informed patient. I sure would appreciate comments or advice. Thank you so much

Comments

  • Traveltext
    Traveltext Member Posts: 2,089
    edited March 2016

    I've been on Tamoxifen for 18 months now and the only side effect I could claim is frequency of urination at night. My libido is I undiminished and I feel terrific physically and mentally. In your case, you are not staving off breast cancer but trying to get your testosterone balance right, so I don't see why your doc wouldn't try testosterone injections.


  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2016

    Hi 1Mansearching4answers, welcome to our community here at BCO. We hope you find it to be a supportive and informative place!

    Though you don't have a breast cancer diagnosis you may find useful to browse through the following articles from our main site:

    Many Men Stop Taking Tamoxifen

    Tamoxifen

    Hormonal Therapy for Male Breast Cancer


    Hope this helps! Let us know how you're doing.

    The Mods

  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited March 2016

    Hi 1mansearching4answers:

    I would recommend that you ask your doctor for a recommendation for another endocrinologist at an independent institution, and seek a second opinion regarding the question of whether to continue tamoxifen or maybe try something else. Be sure to obtain any necessary referrals, confirm in-network, and insurance coverage in advance.

    Here is a section from bc.org on when to seek a second opinion, which applies quite aptly to your current situation:

    http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/second_opini...

    • During treatment, if there is any reason to believe a change in strategy might be in order: Maybe the prescribed treatment is not working as well as expected, or you have treatment-related problems or questions that you and your current doctor cannot resolve. Perhaps you're just not comfortable with the way some aspect of your care is being managed. If you're wondering whether a change in approach might be useful, it's worth seeking a second opinion.


    Good luck!

    BarredOwl

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