Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg

My girlfriend in France was also given 5mg. I have read studies where they compared the two doses and found very little difference. Try googling that info, I don't have it in hand.

Here is one study.
https://www.jhoponline.com/web-exclusives/5-mg-tamoxifen-as-effective-as-20-mg-daily-in-early-localized-breast-cancer

I am just about to switch to Tamoxifen, after some hip-replacement surgery. The risk of blood clots with the surgery means no Tamoxifen for a couple weeks, because of its risk of blood clots. For my breast cancer recurrence after 30 years, I have been on anastrozole & letrozole, both of which raised my BP steadily & gave me labile hypertension within 4 months, so I went off. Then the doc put me on Fluvestrant shots, another type of hormone blocker. That lasted 4 months until I got terrible joint and muscle pain, along with a leg rash. I'd hoped to take a half dose but the doc won't allow any deviation from the FDA approved 500mg shots. Luckily it has shrink my tumor by 2/3, but I can't take the horrible leg & shoulder joint pains. So it seems that I cannot tolerate the high ("normal") doses of meds. I'm thinking I will start myself on a half-dose of the Tamoxifen and see how I do (have read the "Baby-Tam" research) instead of starting at 20 mg. which is standard & what the doc wants. Quality of life has become very important for me at age 76.

It makes sense a smaller person doesn't need 20 mg, which is what my oncologist pushed. Then he said every other day when I couldn't stand the side effects. Then after the blood left my urine he put me right back on 20mg every day. After reading a lot of research and personal sharing on this site I have decided I would do 5mg if I do anything. I just got an all-clear from my radiologist today with the 6 month follow up mammogram. I've never had a radiologist tell me directly after my mammogram what it showed. But she cancelled my ultrasound scheduled for right after the mammogram and I questioned why. So I guess that's why she told me. ?? I find the whole scene very strange. I should be happy with a "cancer free" result. Instead I guess I just am overwhelmed with questions. My followup with the surgeon is tomorrow and I assumed he would be the one reading the mammogram and ultrasound. But now I didn't get an ultrasound.

I forgot to say there was cancer in a lymph node during lumpectomy.

Radiologists read mammograms and ultrasounds. Radiation Oncologists may look at them but don’t write the report. Despite knowing most of my MDs for years because I worked at hospital I have found many mercurial moods, change of tactics. When I questioned how my chest wall would be followed the surgeon said they palpate for tumors. I made a weird face and she said she would get a yearly MRI. my tumor was closer to center of chest yet my oncologist is concerned with my axillary nodes being followed but the surgeon indicated she was more concerned with the internal mammary lymph chain which is much closer to where my tumor was. I thought the surgeon was more on target so plan to ask the radiation oncologist about mammary lymph chain. It’s been unnerving to have to ask the right questions to get to what is most compelling to specific MDs.

Thanks for sharing everyone. I have been on Tamoxifen for 4 years. I started at 20 mg and after 9 months I was noticing significant swings in moods and very low energy/high sleepiness. I was going through some other stuff at the time, but it felt right to reduce the dose. Fast forward 3 years and I have a new oncologist who wanted to put me back on the full dose. I have been on the full dose for 3 months and I once again have had increases in my anxiety/depression and sleepiness. Definitely time to talk to my oncologist again...I appreciate all the feedback as it helped me understand some of the issues that other patients are seeing.

I am a male breast cancer survivor. I had stage 1, with surgery, chemo and now Tamoxifen.
Started with 20 mg of Tamoxifen, experienced daily menopause type issues, chills, drowsiness while working full time. Spoke with my oncology team recently, reduced to 10 mg, no longer have daily issues but still get drowsy around noon. My team did not suggest 5 mg due to my oncotype dx score.

I have coffee in the morning, then green tea with some caffeine. At night drink chamomile tea. These are remedies suggested my oncology team to best manage side effects.

@malebreastcancer47 I am glad you are doing well, outside of drowsiness with tamoxifen. Thank you for sharing your tips.
How long have you been on Tamoxifen?

@auntieoakley I had cancer surgery and chemo in 2023. Did not start Tamoxifen immediately, spent 2024 recovering from muscle loss, stamina. Started Tamoxifen 1 yr later at 20 mg. Now switched to 10mg.
Other male breast cancer survivor shared when started Tamoxifen immediately after chemo, the experience is terrible. I delayed and my oncology approved.
I am also diabetic and take mounjaro, the side effects with all meds has been tough to manage but doable. Mayo suggested getting a therapist. Sometimes I wanted to quit meds so emotional support helps.