Tamoxifen can lower breast cancer risk for some women at high risk. After treatment for early-stage breast cancer, it can also lower the risk that the cancer will come back. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.

It’s important to find ways to manage bothersome side effects so you can continue to get the benefit of taking tamoxifen. As one MyBCTeam member shared, “I wouldn’t stop the tamoxifen for the little side effects. The pros definitely outweigh the cons for me.”

If you notice unwanted facial hair growth, talk to your care team. It may have another cause that needs evaluation. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

If you have obesity and hirsutism, maintaining a healthy weight for you may help lower androgen levels. This may help reduce unwanted facial hair growth in some cases.

At-Home Hair Removal

Home treatments for removing unwanted hair include:

• Shaving — Trimming hair at the skin’s surface with a razor
• Waxing — Pulling hair out from the root with wax
• Chemical depilatories (such as Nair) — Using a cream or lotion that breaks down hair
• Threading — Removing hairs with twisted threads
• Prescription creams — Slowing facial hair growth with eflornithine cream

If your cancer or cancer treatment has increased your infection risk, ask your care team whether you need extra precautions with hair-removal methods that can cut or irritate the skin.

Your infection risk may depend on factors such as:

• Whether you’re still receiving treatment
• How much time you’ve spent in the hospital
• Your nutritional status
• Your immune system
• Your sleep habits
• Other medications and health conditions

Managing Skin Changes

Tamoxifen can cause skin changes such as dryness. Hair-removal methods can also irritate the skin, so use extra care if your skin is already dry or sensitive.

MyBCTeam members have used some at-home hair removal methods. One shared, “I have been plucking using tweezers, but it’s never-ending and getting worse.”

“My facial hair has gotten worse on tamoxifen, too,” another member said. “I have to get it waxed. Yes, it may hurt, but I got used to it.”

In-Office Treatments

Longer-term hair-removal options are available in a dermatologist’s office. Laser hair removal uses light to damage hair follicles, while electrolysis uses an electrical current.

Although these treatments last longer than shaving or waxing, they usually require multiple sessions. For laser hair removal, Cleveland Clinic notes that appointments are often six to eight weeks apart.

Not everyone is a good candidate for these treatments. A board-certified dermatologist can help you decide which option may be right for you.

MyBCTeam members have had success with laser hair removal.

One member shared, “I opted to have laser hair removal. It was good on the hairs that worked, but it doesn’t work on gray hairs!!! Tragic.”

Another member shared, “I have continued with laser hair removal and can say I’m really pleased with the results.”