Many people who have breast cancer take medications – such as Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors – to prevent a recurrence of the cancer. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with „hormone-positive“ tumors, which make up about two out of three breast cancer cases. This approach saves lives. „It is highly effective in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence anywhere in the body,“ says Dr. Erica Mayer, MPH, head of clinical breast cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
For most people taking hormone therapy medications, there are no major issues. „In general, very few patients experience serious or life-disrupting side effects,“ says Mayer. However, there may be minor side effects. Since people typically take hormone therapy medications for at least five years, possibly even seven to ten years, it is important to know what side effects may occur. If they do, inform your doctor. They will recommend what to do so you can continue taking these medications as prescribed.
Hormone-positive tumors are fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Tamoxifen blocks the binding of estrogen to the breast cancer cell, preventing estrogen from providing it with energy. Aromatase inhibitors lower estrogen levels throughout the body, reducing the availability of estrogen to drive cancer. These medications include Anastrozole (Arimidex), Exemestane (Aromasin), and Letrozole (Femara).
Doctors usually prescribe Tamoxifen for premenopausal women and aromatase inhibitors for postmenopausal women. Men with breast cancer who are prescribed aromatase inhibitors must also take a medication called a GnRH agonist.
Although both Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors target estrogen, they do so in different ways and have slightly different side effects. Hot flashes and night sweats can occur in menopausal women, which are also side effects of Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors.
If experiencing these side effects, environmental measures like keeping your bedroom cool, dressing in layers, and using a fan may help. Additionally, acupuncture can be beneficial for managing many side effects related to aromatase inhibitors, including hot flashes.
If these approaches do not help and if hot flashes and night sweats are affecting your daily life, medications may be helpful. Certain medications used to treat anxiety or depression, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and Gabapentin, can also treat hot flashes.
It is important to communicate any side effects you experience with your doctor to find appropriate solutions. Do not discontinue medication without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to adverse outcomes.