Hi im on Tamoxifen and have been for 3 years now, im 53 and I also take levithyroxin, just wondering if there are any supplements I can take to help with weight gain, aching joints, aching muscles, fatigue as I know there’s lots of medication that interacts with Tamoxifen. X
Hi. I’m exactly the same, 53, tamoxifen and Levothyroxine and also would love to know the answers to this. Xx
If i went to my gp and asked he would think i was cracking up, with all my symptoms, I just feel old all my colleagues are on collagen and other things and they are blooming and I just feel crap. Iam so grateful that im here but I just want to feel my best xx
Hi @KatD05,
Thanks for posting.
It sounds like you’re having a difficult time with side effects from tamoxifen. You may find it helpful to call our helpline to talk this through. We often find we can help people more by talking on the phone.
Side effects such as weight changes, aching joints and muscles and fatigue are common, alongside other menopausal symptoms. If you haven’t done so already, do talk to your breast care nurse, treatment team or GP about this so they can support you. The previous links include tips for managing these side effects which you may find helpful.
Many people ask about vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines to help manage the side effects from treatments such as tamoxifen. There is often the belief that these products are safe as they are considered natural. However, most don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments, as you mention. So, it’s important to speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements. They will be able to let you know about any potential interactions with tamoxifen of levothyroxine.
You mention colleagues talking collagen. There is research looking at collagen levels and breast cancer, but it is not clear if this would mean that collagen supplements should be avoided. The following American article Collagen benefits: Should I take a supplement? | MD Anderson Cancer Center may be of interest.
You can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual supplements. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications. You may also find the World Cancer Research Fund Nutrition Helpline helpful to talk through supplements with an oncology dietician.
Although we’re not able to suggest any specific supplements, our diet and breast cancer booklet has a section about supplements that may be helpful.
Coping with body changes and medication side effects during and after breast cancer treatment can be difficult, and it’s understandable that you just want to feel your best. Although you say you think your GP would think you’re cracking up with all your symptoms, do talk this through with them, if you feel able to do so, as they may be able to provide some support. You can also talk to your breast care nurse, as mentioned above. You may also find our Moving Forward courses helpful, to connect with others going through a similar experience. As you can see from @lou_72’s reply, you’re not alone in feeling with way.
As mentioned above, do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturdays.
We are closed on English bank holidays.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes,
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.