Tamoxifen side effects

I had some mild hot flashes and that was it. I think probably within a few days if starting. Now it also made my periods start to spread out and for my last period (had a complete hysterectomy in September) it was 3 months without one and I got one 10 days before surgery. It couldn’t just be done. LOL. So I did not mind the Tamoxifen side effects because they were mild. After surgery I tried all 3 AIs and they caused bad joint pain. Back on Tamoxifen now. Hope that helps.

Why a hysterectomy? Was that related to hormone therapy?

Bad headaches for a year and a general malaise for several month. Didn't care about much. Then decided to change my attitude and get on with my life. Haven't had a drink of alcohol in 2 years (length of time taking the drug). Some loss of libido. I wear support, knee high stockings when driving or flying and stop every 2 hours, exit car and walk a few minutes to prevent blood clots. I exercise regularly, eat low fat and have come to terms with this drug. It is saving my life. Yes? Lower your anxiety and keep positive. Good luck. I am 83.

Anyone ever have throbbing shoulder pain after starting Tamoxifen?
I have been on it a couple weeks now and besides the mood roller coaster, brain fog and Charlie Horse type pain in my feet and toes, (which a friend of mine said she also experiences all of those)
I have started having this strange shoulder pain…..

I’m taking anastrozole. Same thing here a month and a half in and things are getting a little better but they say it takes 2 to 6 months just seems crazy to me that they cannot come up with any kind of drugs without all these side effects. It’s changed my life, hang in there !

@bjohnson511
Thank you for your response. Good to know I am not the only one. Thought I was losing my mind for a bit.
I agree, the amount of side effects are crazy! Every few days I notice something else!
Take care!

I found side effects kicked in more at 3 weeks and then a new level at 3 months. This is consistent with what the researchers say they find about the “steady state” of tamoxifen.

My experience with side effects, many years post menopause, will probably be different than yours. I lowered my dose to reduce the major brain fog and headaches, but that may affect my risk level 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have been on T for 3 years and have had throbbing pain in my shoulder and neck as well. I have developed several joint and muscle pains throughout my time taking T. They usually go away after a while but are painful and detrimental to my overall well-being. I can't wait for the 5 years to be done and I can stop taking it. Take potassium for the Charlie horse pain, it helped me and also a friend who is also taking T and was having horrendous cramps.

Anyone developed hearing loss while taking Tamoxifen? I have read that many people have developed tinnitus while taking tamoxifen. Also wondering if anyone knows if hearing returns after stopping tamoxifen?