Losing Weight While Taking Tamoxifen?

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edwsmom
edwsmom Member Posts: 346
edited December 2016 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi there,

I started taking tamoxifen about 6 months ago. Since then the weight has been creeping on and I'm getting more and more upset/frustrated with it. I've spoken with the oncologist and she said that it's common and not to worry about it too much. I'm stressed because I should be reducing my weight to reduce recurrence, not gaining. At this point I'm up 20 lbs and for someone who was already a bit overweight when I started taking tamoxifen, I can't let this trend continue.

Has anyone gained weight taking tamoxifen and had success taking it off? What made the difference for you? I've been doing many of the things that have worked for me in the past (cutting back calories, eliminating snacks, etc.) and they are not working now. I was pre-menopausal when I was diagnosed (age 43) and now I guess I'm menopausal....

Help.....Many thanks!

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited December 2016

    I am in the same boat. I have cut back on my calories significantly, but to no avail. My MO appt is in 2 wks. I don't want to get on that scale! I am only halfway through my Tam regimen and have gained 15 lbs. UGH. I hope someone else chimes in with some advice!:)

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  • Leydi
    Leydi Member Posts: 146
    edited December 2016

    Combination of a low carb high fat diet plus intermittent fasting works for me. The Diet Doctor website is a good source of information.

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited December 2016

    Hate to say it but almost everyone gains weight on tamoxifen. I personally found it impossible to stop the upward creep even with counting calories (700-800/day) and exercise every day. I hate, hate, hate my disgusting fat body.



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  • adoxa
    adoxa Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2016

    Really, does everyone gain weight? Have only been on Tam for 2 months, dealing with nast SE, hope the weight issue will nit become one of them. The reality is, Tam users do not have a choice in the meds. So xarry the bit of extra weight with pride, better than sitting in a waitingroom fir a new C diagnosis. Will keep an eyeon my own weight, as I said it has been only 2 moths out of the 5 years

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  • rozem
    rozem Member Posts: 1,375
    edited December 2016

    for me instant menopause is what did it. When I was on Tam alone I could maintain. Now that I'm on Lupron I'm gaining. I hate it. Have always been normal weight and this is depressing. And to add insult to injury I am starving all the time!!

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  • Carlsoda
    Carlsoda Member Posts: 249
    edited December 2016

    I have been on tamoxifen since August and so far no weight gain. I also eat low carb, high fat. Only SE so far (touch wood) is Charlie horses in both calves and feet at night. Magnesium has helped a lot! Maybe the odd hot flash but nothing too bad and not very often.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited December 2016

    I'm 5 years out - yea! and I gained weight too. Not a lot though. I am small frame so can't carry a lot of weight. I complained about it to my ONC and she said a patient had lost 40 lbs on it. That can't be the norm.

    I have noticed since I have quit taking it a few months ago(no need per ONCthat I don't have the leg cramps at night. They were painful at times. I also had trouble sleeping but that's not a problem either. Plus lost a few pounds. So ladies there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm proof of that.

    Diane


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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited December 2016

    A few years ago, I was at my best physically just prior to going off tamoxifen in favor of aromatase inhibition. I had actually lost several pounds from my post-chemo max and was able to have my internist change one of my medical conditions from obese (BMI > 25) to overweight! That proves it is possible.

    Stable since then but could afford to drop another 5 or10 lb: very difficult now in full menopausal status despite doing the same water exercise/Zumba routine which was successful in 2013. Cholesterol panel has also deteriorated although diet has not changed.

    My personal philosophy is that our bodies crave the benefits of estrogen so much that they hang onto every bit of fat in order to maintain enzymatic production of our favorite hormone in those adipose tissue cells.


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