Hi, I started Tamoxifen at the end of August this year. I noticed some thinning of my hair at first, then it seemed to be ok.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a dramatic reduction in the amount of hair on my head and most of the strands are extremely fine! The air is getting to my scalp too easily and I can practically see through my hair to my scalp. I find I’m losing a lot of body heat quickly.
I am on Zoladex too, which I started 2 weeks after the Tamoxifen.
Can anyone tell me if I would be entitled to a voucher for a wig(NHS) with just being on hormone therapy?
I have always dreaded the thought of losing my hair and my daughter is worried about it too!
Certainly worth asking re wig.My hair went quite dramatically after about 6 weeks,but slowed down and new hair started to appear ,still a lot thinner in places though.Having been using Nioxin shampoo /conditioner not sure of that is helping or if it would have slowed down anyway ?
I’ve been on Tamoxifen 5 years and just been told to stay on it another 5. Been loosing hair from eyelashes, eyebrows and head since 2010. Also my nails split from base to tip. I want to try Boots own Skin hair and nails suppliment, however, if having cancer that needs Tamoxifen you mustn’t have eustrogen. This suppliment has Evening Primrose in it, does anyone know if EP has eustrogen, I am getting conflicting answers.
Hi Annie,I found this info on the site from one of the nurses of its any help.
I thought you may like to know that evening primrose oil does not produce oestrogen. However there are some manufacturers who combine evening primrose oil with phytoestrogens (plant based oestrogens) and it is not known whether phytoestrogens are appropriate for women who have had breast cancer. This is due to concerns that they could potentially stimulate oestrogen sensitive breast cancer cells. Evening primrose oil (EPO) alone does not contain phytoestrogens but it is worth checking the ingredients on the label if you choose to buy EPO.
The latest studies suggest that there is little or no evidence to support that evening primrose oil reduces menopausal symptoms (if this is what it is taken for). However as many women do say that they find it beneficial, some doctors and nurses will still recommend its use.
If you would like to read more about evening primrose oil, phytoestrogens and herbal remedies, you may wish to read a booklet that Breast Cancer Care has written called Menopausal symptoms and breast cancer. This can be read online by clicking on the following link: breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/Menopausal_symptoms_factsheet_BCC18.pdf
Kind regards
Information Nurse
I started on arimidex was in total agony after two years out on exemerstane not much different then last two years on letrozole which was much bearable but have me trigger finger. Discharged last week hoping to finish tablets as it’s just over five years since my ok and onc has put me on tamoxifen now for another five years my hair has gone really thin now i am an ex hairdresser as retired now so not sure what to do now as to whether just stop taking tablets altogether and take my chances
V difficult decision,my hair thinning has def slowed down after 7 months ,I can live with it in its current state but if it went any worse I would struggle as it would really affect my state of mind.
Yes, if only it would go from my chin and my legs!!!Tell the doctor to read the side effects leaflet in the box of tamoxifen it says1/10 experience hair thinning.
Hi Jules,yes I would say very similar to you ,hairloss has def slowed down and I’m not quite as self conscious about it as I was,I try not to stand under any spotlights though!!!
I have been on Tamoxifen for 5 years. I too had nice thick hair at the start of my tamoxifen journey. So when my hair began sheeding one year on the medication I didn’t panic because of my hair thickness. By year three thinning at the hairline was noticeable. Year four my scalp was tender, similar to what it felt like while in chemo treatment.
I was told oncologist wants you on tamoxifen for life. They will tell you 5 years, then 10, begore telling you life. I plan to stop my tamoxifen this year.
Well , I see they are advertising for the next series now so better get working on the routine…think may be able to cultivate a pretty impressive beard before the auditions ?.
Jobey I’m the same…I REALLY struggle to stay awake until 10pm these days. I was hoping it’s the Herceptin & will go in 6 weeks when I finally reach the end of my active treatment road. I think my other half will have a fit if it ends up being permanent. This is far too much information, but I would like to know why my lady garden grew back straight & brown (previously greying & curly obvs) & my head hair grew back grey & curly (previously brown & straight). Let me tell you a pant moustache looks highly odd ladies…perhaps I could be the one walking around on my hands!xx