menopause

hi all , i will be taking tamoxifen soon possibly in the next couple of weeks i am wondering whether this will be alright for me as had hysterectomy and although still have my ovaries my GP confirmed with a blood test that they had stopped working and i was plunged into the menopause, so will tamoxifen be of any use to me ? or should i be asking for different medication. i already suffer with hot flushes etc .

Hi Polly

Here’s the link to our Tamoxifen factsheet which you may find helpful to read as it explains who can take them and when they are prescribed:

breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/tamoxifen__november_06_0.pdf

You may also find that it helps to speak to someone about any concerns you have, please feel free to contact our Helpline on 0808 800 6000.

Everyone working on our helpline either has experience of breast cancer or is a breast care nurse and has an excellent knowledge of breast cancer issues. They also receive daily information on new developments.

The helpline is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 9am - 2pm.

I do hope this information is helpful

Best wishes
Lucy

Tamoxifen is usually given to women who are oestrogen positive, like myself and premenopausal.

Having said that, my neighbour was also given Tamoxifen for the usual five year period and she had passed through the menopause.

If I were you, I would have a word with your oncol because the usual prescribed treatment is Arimidex, I think.

Have a word with either your BC nurse or your Oncol. The last thing you need is to be taking drugs that you may not need.

Linda