Tamoxifen is a very commonly used hormonal therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer — so yes, many people are on it! It works by blocking estrogen from fueling breast cancer cell growth, and it can be taken before or after menopause.
It's typically prescribed for 5 to 10 years after surgery to help reduce the Show Full Answer
Tamoxifen is a very commonly used hormonal therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer — so yes, many people are on it! It works by blocking estrogen from fueling breast cancer cell growth, and it can be taken before or after menopause.
It's typically prescribed for 5 to 10 years after surgery to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Like most treatments, it comes with a range of possible side effects. The experience varies a lot from person to person — some people have very few, while others find them more disruptive. Common ones include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Weight gain or fluid retention
- Vaginal dryness or discharge
- Irregular periods
- Nausea
- Joint pain
One MyBCTeam member shared, "I am currently on a one-month break and feeling much better! The weight gain was too overwhelming for me. I felt miserable all the time." If side effects are affecting quality of life, it's really important to talk to a care team rather than stopping on your own. There are options — like adjusting the dose or switching to an aromatase inhibitor — that a doctor can help explore.
Never stop taking tamoxifen without consulting a healthcare provider first, as stopping early can increase the risk of recurrence.
May 13
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