Tamoxifen - temperature regulation

[shaz6]

Since taking tamoxifen (6 weeks) I experience heat surges like I’m going to spontaneously combust , up to 10 times a day and through the night. When it happens I remove layers as fast as possible, use a fan and get to a cooler place if possible. I sweat profusely including face and around hairline when it’s happening. I’m not working at the moment but I’m really worried about how I’ll manage when I’m back at work. It’s making me wonder whether I really want to keep taking it as with lumpectomy and radiotherapy ( starting next week) my predict score is 95%. Anyone else experience such debilitating temperature issues and what did you do about it ? Thanks

[naughty_boob]

I’m on aromatase inhibitors, started on Letrozole and now Exemestane and I get the heat surges like I’m about to combust as well. It’s debilitating. I can’t stand anything touching me, I search out cold areas in bed or move covers off.

I wrote this thread which I update as and when

Letrozole menopausal symptoms Vaginal Oestrogen Fezolinetant/Veoza

I’m been on Letrozole for 6/7 months which reduces all the oestrogen in your whole body. I had been on HRT systemic and vaginal for years before bc and had to come off it all last April. A few weeks later symptoms started to raise their ugly head. I had surgery in July 2023, chemo with Herceptin (on this until Sept 2024) from September, radiotherapy in January the started the Letrozole. I was bi lateral invasive cancer, two primary tumours, one each in boob. Chemo side effects took over most o…

Non hormonal help: Fezolinetant/Veoza worked for me for many months but become cost prohibitive as it was privately prescribed with consultation fees, pharmacy fees, prescription charge and postage. There is another similar drug being studied with breast cancer patients called Elinezantant which the MRHA have agreed and awaiting the research for NICE to agree it for the NHS. It’s not available privately. There are some anti depressants that have shown good results with hot ‘flushes’ such as Venlafaxine. You could call your breast care nurse to discuss. I found my GP didn’t want to do anything without oncology/breast team input. You can also ask for a referral to a menopause clinic but the wait time can be long. I paid privately and the the NHS appointment came for the follow up with the same consultant.

Some great information here https://menopauseandcancer.org/

As you have had a cancer diagnosis, you are now disabled under the Equality Act 2010 and your employer should make reasonable adjustments for you when you go back to work. MacMillan, Citizens Advice and Maggie’s can help.

Working with Cancer

Hope this helps.

[shaz6]

Thanks so much. I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough time. I’ll read all you’ve recommended x