Afraid to take Tamoxifen

@triciaot I started treatment with anastrozole at age 65. After 8 difficult months of insomnia and restless leg syndrome, I switched to exemestane (sp?). After 1 week, I quit that due to waking up one morning with crazy flushing in my face. I’ve been on 10 mg of tamoxifen since. I’m quitting that 7 months early because I’ve noticed over the years a steady increase in my A1C and triglycerides. Apparently, from what I’ve read in authoritative sources, there is a connection between tamoxifen and diabetes. I’m not in a medical field. This just feels like one “ other thing they don’t tell you”.

@gladforwomendoctors You’re right tamoxifen can raise triglycerides, from what I’ve read. That can lead to diabetes. I’m in a holding pattern on waiting to see what happens with my TSH. I’m at a subclinical level of hypothyroidism, my PCP had a wait and see attitude, my endocrinologist was ready to start me on Levothyroxine but was willing to wait another testing cycle. Tamoxifen has been associated with pushing women into hypothyroidism, according to research I’ve read.

Meanwhile, statins are know to suppress TSH numbers, and my higher score happened six months after I had stopped the statin (without telling the doctor, I felt my memory getting worse and blamed it on the statin).
I’m back on the statin. The PCP tested lipoprotein-A, and it was 83, pretty high. So I really need the statin. I’ll be tested in Nov for TSH. On hold, waiting.

It’s hard to know which way to jump. I do see some benefits staying on daily 5 mg tamoxifen, and would actually regret going off of it. But I really don’t want to jump on the Levothyroxine rollercoaster. I’d also avoid being pushed into diabetes. And, I’ll need assurances that my uterus/endometrial area is stable before staying on tamoxifen over 5 years.

It is just one thing after another.

I am also choosing not to take it after one week. I immediately experienced side effects and decided it’s just not worth it for me. I’ve been living well for three years and will keep doing what I’m doing, which is clean, healthy living. My osteoporosis is a different story. I am working with my doctor to find something that doesn’t cause serious side effects (it seems like all the medications do).