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Do Aromatase Inhibitors and Tamoxifen cause urinary incontinence?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rochester, NY

What can be done for this?

July 9
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members discussed whether aromatase inhibitors and Tamoxifen cause urinary incontinence, with many confirming this is a real and frustrating... Read more

Members discussed whether aromatase inhibitors and Tamoxifen cause urinary incontinence, with many confirming this is a real and frustrating side effect they had experienced firsthand. Several members shared helpful strategies including Kegel exercises, progressive strength training with heavier weights, and a resource from the Cancer Council with pelvic floor exercise videos. A recurring theme was the importance of persevering through side effects while finding practical ways to manage them, with one member sharing pride in staying on treatment for eight years despite the challenges.

MyBCTeam

Both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can contribute to urinary incontinence, though it's not always listed as a primary side effect. Both treatments affect estrogen levels, and lower estrogen can weaken the tissues of the bladder and pelvic floor, making leakage more likely.

Aromatase inhibitors lower estrogen by Show Full Answer

Both tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can contribute to urinary incontinence, though it's not always listed as a primary side effect. Both treatments affect estrogen levels, and lower estrogen can weaken the tissues of the bladder and pelvic floor, making leakage more likely.

Aromatase inhibitors lower estrogen by up to 95%, which can lead to vaginal dryness and pelvic tissue changes that may worsen bladder control. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen's effects, which can have a similar impact. There are several things that may help manage urinary incontinence while on hormone therapy:

- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) — strengthening these muscles can significantly improve bladder control
- Bladder training — gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits
- Staying hydrated — but limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder
- Vaginal moisturizers or estrogen creams — a doctor can advise on safe options during breast cancer treatment
- Physical therapy — a pelvic floor specialist can provide targeted support

It's really worth bringing this up with the care team. It's more common than people realize, and there are real solutions available — no need to just put up with it!

July 9
A MyBCTeam Member

This can be an issue for women going through menopause as well without the added issue of AIs. My GYN encourages strength training as a way to help the pelvic floor muscles and he encouraged going higher in weight than just the little five -eight pound weights I was using. I’m now up to using 12-20 lbs, my pelvic floor muscles are definitely stronger. With that said, I’m doing a strength training program designed for women 45+ mainly because I wanted to make sure I was doing it right.

July 9
A MyBCTeam Member

They definitely did something to my urinary problems, as I hadn't had them before...
I know they are stopping cancer, and most side effects are tolerated.
Some are intolerable....

July 11
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member @A MyBCTeam Member Great post! For many women in their 60s including a very petite woman like me — 12–20 lb per dumbbell is a very normal, safe and beneficial as my son keeps reminding me. Strength‑training range when progressed gradually and performed with good form. You just reminded me it's time to progress my 5-lb dumbbells to 10-lb for now.

Important: Compound progressive strength training can help cancer survivors improve muscle strength, preserve lean mass, support bone health and reduce fatigue. It can also help prevent falls, since muscle weakness and balance changes are common reasons people become unsteady as we get older.

You’re doing this thoughtfully, and your Kegels and pelvic floor improvements are exactly what reliable research shows. Thanks so much!

July 9 (edited)

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