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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
May 25
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Great news — tamoxifen can be taken whether or not you've gone through menopause, including early menopause. So it's absolutely an option for you! Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen's effect on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells, which is different from how anastrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) works Show Full Answer

Great news — tamoxifen can be taken whether or not you've gone through menopause, including early menopause. So it's absolutely an option for you! Tamoxifen works by blocking estrogen's effect on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells, which is different from how anastrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) works. Anastrozole stops the body from making estrogen, while tamoxifen simply blocks its effect.

It's worth knowing that tamoxifen is often the first-choice hormonal treatment for people who haven't fully completed menopause, so your preference makes a lot of sense medically.

Some common side effects to be aware of include:

- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or discharge
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Joint pain

These side effects vary from person to person — some people experience very few. Always discuss your preferences and any concerns with your oncologist so you can make the best decision together for your treatment plan.

May 25

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