Hello and thank you for your post,

I am sorry to hear that you are having treatment for breast cancer. The hot flushes you are having must be difficult to live with.

I am not sure if having your ovaries removed will mean that you can stop taking Tamoxifen. This is because even if your ovaries are removed or stop working (as in the menopause) the body still makes oestrogen although to a far lesser degree. This is because oestrogen is also made in fat cells and the adrenal glands.  So, even if you had your ovaries removed it is likely that you would still need to take hormonal treatment.

Do let your breast care team know about the side effects of your treatment.  I am not sure if it will be possible and if it will help but once you are past the menopause you may be offered another type of hormonal treatment called aromatise inhibitors, although they can also cause hot flushes it may be better than what you are feeling now or it may not make a difference.

You can read about the different types of hormonal treatments and their side effects on our website.

We also have information about coping with hot flushes on our website.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline 

Hi Caroline, many thanks indeed for your reply, help & links it is sooooo very much appreciated.

kindest regards

xx

Hi Caroline, many thanks indeed for your reply, help & links it is sooooo very much appreciated.

kindest regards

xx