Hormonal Therapy Side Effects

Hormonal therapy can cause a number of side effects, depending on the treatment received and on the patient. Tamoxifen is the most common hormonal treatment. This drug blocks the body's use of estrogen but does not stop estrogen production. Tamoxifen may cause hot flashes, vaginal discharge or irritation, and irregular periods. Any unusual bleeding while taking tamoxifen should be reported immediately to the provider. Younger women taking tamoxifen may become pregnant more easily and should discuss birth control methods with their provider.

Serious side effects of tamoxifen are rare, but this drug can cause blood clots in the veins, especially in the legs. In a very small number of women, tamoxifen has caused cancer of the lining of the uterus. The provider may conduct a pelvic exam, as well as biopsies or other tests of the lining of the uterus to monitor for this condition. Young women whose ovaries are removed to deprive the cancer cells of estrogen will experience a condition known as surgical menopause, which is the immediate onset of menopause after surgery. Unfortunately, the side effects experienced during surgical menopause are likely to be more severe than the effects of natural menopause. Some women may not experience menopausal symptoms until weeks or months after surgery. If this happens, you should contact your provider to discuss ways to manage the symptoms.