Hormone therapy is an important treatment for HR-positive breast cancer, but it does come with some common side effects worth knowing about. Many of these are related to lower estrogen levels in the body.
Common side effects include:
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Bone or joint pain
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Hormone therapy is an important treatment for HR-positive breast cancer, but it does come with some common side effects worth knowing about. Many of these are related to lower estrogen levels in the body.
Common side effects include:
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Bone or joint pain
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Weakened bones over time Some hormone therapies, like tamoxifen, carry rarer but more serious risks, including:
- Blood clots in the legs, lungs, or brain
- Eye problems such as cataracts
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (worth reporting to your doctor promptly)
Aromatase inhibitors (like letrozole or anastrozole) are more associated with bone loss, so regular bone density checks are often recommended. The good news is there are ways to manage these side effects. Some helpful strategies include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers for joint or bone pain
- Acupuncture or massage therapy
- Regular physical activity and a balanced diet
- Stress management techniques like yoga or meditation
- Prescription anti-nausea medications if needed
Always talk to your care team before trying new supplements, as some can interact with your medications. And never stop or adjust your treatment without consulting your doctor first.
August 17
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