Tamoxifen side effect

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Acceber
Acceber Member Posts: 3
edited October 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello. This is my first post here. I’m two years out of radiation on the 16th, started tamoxifen directly after so I am almost two years taking it. So this is my problem....

I am extremely fragile downtown. I have to be careful washing, using toilet paper. I feel like I would rip if I weren’t careful. I’m not sexually active atm which is probably a good thing considering. So recently I went in for my annual and bled a lot due to the swab and my doctor called attention to it and said it was due to tamoxifen. This worries me a lot and I’m wondering if it justifies stopping taking it. Obviously I have to have a discussion with my onc.

Is anyone else’s uterus being destroyed by this med? Is age a factor? I just turned 50.

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  • NotVeryBrave
    NotVeryBrave Member Posts: 1,287
    edited October 2018

    I was on Tamoxifen for a short time. I don't remember having those kinds of problems from it. However - chemo stopped my periods and I went through a rapid induced menopause during that time. I did have the vaginal sensitivity and fragility then. Even washing with mild soap was irritating.

    I found that using coconut oil helped a lot. My GYN recommended it to help with lubrication and tissue dryness. It's solid at cooler temperatures and kind of melts when warmer. I thought it made a pretty big difference for me.

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  • runor
    runor Member Posts: 1,798
    edited October 2018

    Acceber, I suggest you read the thread, I Want My Mojo Back!

    No, you are not imagining it. Tamoxifen can beat the stuffing out of your lady bits! I used to enjoy handmade, highly scented soaps and they never gave me a problem. Since taking tamoxifen? I can't even USE soap down there or else I am in utter misery. (weeping over all my scented soaps). As well I seem to get a bladder infection at the drop of a hat. And I pee all the time. All. The. Time.

    Topical lubrication can help as NotVery said. Some of us use a hormone replacement cream and there is lots of debate over whether or not this is safe for cancer patients. But then, is it safe to live with a miserable vajayjay every day and walk around feeling like hell? I say no. That is not safe. You might ram someone with your shopping cart at Walmart while you scream MY VAGINA IS BROKEN and that is not a good thing!

    Discuss with your doctor maybe using a hormonal cream, just a little dab, once in a while to help your lady bits. I have taken tamoxifen for 14 months now and used a teeny blob of Premarin twice. Ah, sweet relief in a tube!

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  • Wink22
    Wink22 Member Posts: 39
    edited October 2018

    runor...you have made me laugh out loud:)


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  • Izzylove1
    Izzylove1 Member Posts: 1
    edited October 2018

    I've been on tamoxifen since June 2018. I had my IUD removed immediately following my cancer diagnosis in February 2018. I started having my menstrual period normally until this month.. I'm concerned because I felt PMS for over a week, I'm more exhausted than ever, and although It feels like I'm on my period cramping, pain, it's just a constant discharge with very little blood. I'm trying not to freak out but myOBGYN appt isn't until December & I just want to know if this happened to anyone else. ☹

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  • SouthernCatbird
    SouthernCatbird Member Posts: 10
    edited October 2018

    You should really discuss with your doctor. Mine told me that tamoxifen can have many side effects on your lady parts. Have them check you out to make sure there is nothing more than just being tender.

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  • Acceber
    Acceber Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2018

    Thank you for the replies. Runor, you crack me up! I am totally ready to become a People of Walmart and starting yelling about all of this. lol

    I did call my onc. Basically I either have to suck it up or I can “run the risk of taking a break for a few weeks.” They agreed quality of life is important but if I do take a break, to please let them know when I start so they can write it down. I’ve decided against that but boy does this suck.

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