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
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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
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.
Hope this helps.
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Thanks so much. I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough time. I’ll read all you’ve recommended x
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You can also try gabapentin for the hot flashes. It gave me some improvement, though didn’t eliminate completely. I take it in the evening and then again immediately before bed because that’s when I usually get the hot flashes. I hope this helps!
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I’m glad it helped you a bit. Thanks for the information 
I haven’t been on this site for awhile, but I saw your post. When I took Tamoxifen 14 years ago I had intense hot flashes, broken sleep and eventually a bit of an emotional breakdown. When I stopped, things got better. I should have been switched to Arimidex as I was 46 and after chemo post menopausal, but that wasn’t standard practice back then. I decided after a lumpectomy, chemo and rads I was done. I wanted to get back to a normal life. I did, but then had a local recurrence 13 years later. No one really knows why these things happen. Lots of people used to ask if I took Tamox., but again my quality of life was more important. This time I had a DMX and DIEP surgery and the only follow up is 1mg of Arimidex a day. So far it’s been a year and all is well. Here’s hoping I don’t see that crap ever again and wish the same for all of us.
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Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. It’s really helpful. I hope that things continue to be ok for you .