Confused! Tamoxifen v Anastrozole

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Hello

 

I wonder if anyone can help.  I am currnetly taking Tamoxifen since Feb 2015.  I am 49.  

 

Before I started Tamoxifen I asked for and was given a hormone level blood test which I have only recently discoved showed that I was post menopause since Feb 2015.  Now I am really confused as all the information I have been reading on Macmillan and the Cancer Research sites say that Anastrozole is the best drug for post menopause women to take not Tamoxifen so am worried as am on Tamoxifen.  

 

My GP seems to think I should stay on Tamoxifen for 2 - 3 years and then switch.  I just am so confused though as if I hadn’t asked for the blood test I wouldn’t even know what my menopause status was.  Quite worried about this now.

 

Any advice from others who are taking Anastrozole or Tamoxifen around my age too would be appreciated.

 

MM

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hi mystery,
I was diagnosed this year at 55 & peri menopausal at the time. I was put on tamox, with an option to go onto anastrozole once through the menopause.
I have decided I would prefer to stay on tamox, as I’m fine on it & it is protective of bones & the cardiovascular system. my oncologist was happy to do this on discharging me.
Research on the nhs website suggests that, although anastrazole is more likely to be effective, it does not necessarily increase longevity rates compared with tamox, possibly related to the increased cardiovascular & osteporosis risk. In view of this I will stay on tamox unless otherwise advised &/or my diagnosis changes.
ann x