Tamoxifen and Weight

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Runnergurl
Runnergurl Member Posts: 6
edited July 2018 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I've been on Tamoxifen for about a month. I do not have breast cancer, however my two sisters (one is my twin) and my Mom all have had BC. We are all BRCA negative. Previous to my start of the drug, my doctor had told me she wanted me to lose weight. I am seeing a nutritionist and following her plan, but the weight is hanging on. I am VERY active so this is a bit troubling. Anyone have this issue? Have you figured out a way to "get around this"?.

Thanks

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited June 2018

    For how long have you been trying to lose weight?

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  • Runnergurl
    Runnergurl Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2018

    For a few months before I started Tamoxifen. The nutrition plan did not start until a few weeks before going on the meds,

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited June 2018

    yes tamoxifen can make it harder to lose weight as its blocking estrogen that your tissues were using. It's almost like entering menopause, with all it brings with it, early. It sounds like you're still early on and your body may be trying to adjust. Keep trying and give it time. I'll PM you a link to a helpful website with tools for losing weight and keeping it off - it’s free to use the site, no purchase or anything required.

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  • Shenanigans08
    Shenanigans08 Member Posts: 16
    edited June 2018

    I've been reading about Herceptin contributing to weight gain as well which I'm still on for a few more months. Also I'm about to start Tamoxifen as well. Any good resources for guidelines for managing weight?

    Lula73 Can you send me that website for losing weight as well?

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  • Rrobin0200
    Rrobin0200 Member Posts: 433
    edited June 2018

    I would like the link as well, please?

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited June 2018

    I did well keeping the weight off during TCH but gained quite a bit of weight on tamoxifen and herceptin.

    It is tough to get the weight off. I also am meeting with a dietician to improve my nutrition. The only weeks I lose weight are when I double vegetables and cut down on carbs.


    I joined weight watchers and basically you can eat all the vegetables,lean chicken you want without counting it. They have a very long list of foods that are zero points. I also use recipes from an eating program called whole30. Still it is crazy tough to lose fat on tamoxifen.

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  • Egads007
    Egads007 Member Posts: 1,603
    edited June 2018

    I gained a ton during treatment. I did ever diet known to man afterwards, worked out 5 days a week to lose basically NOTHING. I’m convinced that being post-meno, along with the help of tamoxifen is the cause. I went Paleo (diet/lifestyle, close relative of Whole30) lost 7 lbs at the end of the first week. I’m now 58 lbs down, in better shape and feel better than I did in my 20s. So worth checking out.

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  • Runnergurl
    Runnergurl Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2018


    saxendacare dot com

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  • Runnergurl
    Runnergurl Member Posts: 6
    edited June 2018

    The link I got was for a medication for weight loss. Not something I'm interested in. You can sign up and "learn" other thing about weight loss, but I'm already seeing a nutritionist. I am VERY active (workout 5-7 times a week, including running). The weight is just hanging on. I "think" I've lost a little bit in body mass since my clothes see a bit looser. I see my oncologist in 6 weeks and have my thyroid checked next month. Just going to soldier on. If you want the link, PM me and I will get it to you.

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited June 2018

    Well something that your dietitican might encourage is to have your vitamin levels checked by spectracell ( I think that is the name) Its a long process to rebuild your health after treatment. Yes have your Ferritan ( iron levels ) checked, your vitamin D and your Vitamin B if the doctor will order it. Also do have thyroid checked. I can post back once I get my spectra reports back to report if it was useful.

    The weight will hang on with tamoxifen. For my part I switched to high vegetable, meat and lower carb ( kind of paleo but not quite) Continue what you are doing and just keep slightly modifying it.

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  • Lula73
    Lula73 Member Posts: 1,824
    edited June 2018

    I did say that the site was branded and sponsored by a weight loss med but no purchase required to use the interactive tools on the site (it’s a prescription med anyway so not like they are asking you to buy something online). Access to the tools is free and you can opt out/stop using them anytime. No commitments.

    The tools related to diet/nutrition can really help identify areas that can be improved upon nutritionwise. They also have tools related to physical activity that are very helpful especially if mobility is an issue whether from weight or the meds we take. The focus is on a balanced eating/activity plan that you can do and be happy doing for the rest of your life vs. doing a short term “diet” that is not realistic to stick with for forever that probably most of us have done in the past. And if you’ve always struggled with weight and yo-yoed, there is help and strategies focused on mindset.

    You have to register to get access to those interactive tools, so if you didn’t register you didn’t get to them to take them for a spin to see what they are all about. When you register, they ask if you take the med, if you don’t, mark ‘no’, you still get access to the tools. And justignore the branded parts of the site.

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  • DrDavid
    DrDavid Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2018

    Yes tamoxifen can cause weight gain in some people

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited July 2018

    In addition to possible weight gain(I put on 25 pound) the bigger challenge for me is that tamoxifen causes the body to be very resistant to weight loss. Something that already becomes challenging is far more difficult. Also the fat tends to accumulate around the abdominal area and it isn't budging even with appropriate intervention.

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