Yes, some people do stop hormonal therapy — and it's more common than you might think. Many MyBCTeam members have navigated this decision, whether due to side effects, completing their recommended treatment duration, or other personal reasons.
Hormonal therapies like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are typically Show Full Answer
Yes, some people do stop hormonal therapy — and it's more common than you might think. Many MyBCTeam members have navigated this decision, whether due to side effects, completing their recommended treatment duration, or other personal reasons.
Hormonal therapies like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are typically prescribed for 5 to 10 years. Once that period is complete, stopping is expected and planned. However, stopping early is a different situation. The key things to know:
- Never stop on your own — always loop in your oncology team first
- Side effects can sometimes be managed, so stopping may not be the only option
- Switching between tamoxifen and an AI is sometimes possible depending on menopausal status
- Even short breaks carry potential risks to recurrence protection
If side effects are making things unbearable, that's a very valid conversation to have with your care team. They can help weigh your personal recurrence risk against quality of life to find the best path forward for *you*.
October 30
Join
Your Privacy Choices
