Hi Anna...

Your not alone ... lots of us have many different effects from tamoxifen...   mine was mood swings .. went from really strong to a quivering wreck ... cryed over everything .. but I didn't know that could happen, and was so relieved to know what caused it ..

Some have hot flushes ... some have aches and pains in joints ...  some no energy ... but I can say I went on a mild anti depressant... and it all sorted itself out for me ... been on it nearly 2 years now .. and a bit of aches I've been fine ...  and not sure about aches as I've got lots of arthritis etc ..

So I'd say give it time .. and see how it goes ... if stays the same, then go back to Dr... Chrissie x

Thanks chrissy iv also got mood swings poor hubby lol hes put up with so much these past few months I've a fan permanently stuck to my side too oh the Joy's....I'm going to give it few more week if it dosent settle I will ask dr for further advice xxx

Hi Anna,

I started on Tamoxifen about a month ago and was so happy the first two weeks as all seemed fine but I've since had the return of hot flashes. I used to manage them with red clover but now I've read some things that say red clover is not good for hormone positive BC and tamoxifen so I am just sweating through them (I've also read some things that say red clover  is fine with BC and tamoxifen but I am erring on the side of caution for now)!  And I am forever tired but never able to sleep well.... I'm hoping things will settle down as my body gets more used to it but at least now you know you are not alone.

Good luck!

The sweats are awful arent they I feel extremely tired too my body feels so heavy not enough we go thru bc but then to go thru all this too its rubbish ....all the best to u hope things get better soon xxxx

Hi I am 2 weeks into Tamoxifen but already had night time sweats and trouble on and off sleeping. I came across this on Twitter and am thinking of trying it:www.ladycare-uk.com/.../. Has anyone tried it and thoughts? Thanks, Amanda  

Hi Amanda I've not tried it but looks ok I would check with oncologist before you try anything tho just to be on safe side.....I cant stand the flushes making me feel Ill hopefully they will subside ....let me no how u get on xxxx

Thanks Anna, will do.

Hello lovely.  I’m in the same boat too.  Have just finished my first box of tamoxifen (only 59 boxes to go!) and I’ve been flushing since about 10 days in. It was worse when we were having all that hot weather too, of course.  It’s worse at night and I’m exhausted from having my sleep so disrupted.  I was having occasional naps in the afternoon but trying not to do that now, to give me the best chance of getting better sleep at night. 

I’m told it will settle down but I’m not sure how long that takes - months? Years? Probably different for each person.  

A nurse friend of mine who also had BC 12 years ago and is still struggling with hot flushes (although she’s not on tamoxifen anymore so it’s down to her age) recommended me get a Chillow (Chillo?) - a chilled pillow - which are available on Amazon and at The Range apparently.  She keeps hers ready by the side of the bed and hugs it when she’s getting lots of flushes.  A bit like the opposite of a hot water bottle I guess!  In fact, I might look them up now ......

I was taking red clover also and stopped as soon as I was diagnosed.  I don’t think you want to be taking plant oestrogens if your BC is oestrogen led, so I think you’ve been very sensible to stop taking it! X