Uterine Effects of Tamoxifen Uterine Effects of Tamoxifen Charles Dunton, MD Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jefferson Medical College Tamoxifen use is highly beneficial for certain groups of patients by decreasing the rate of recurrence . Additionally, recent evidence shows that healthy women at risk for the development of breast cancer can reduce the risks by use of Tamoxifen . The side effects of Tamoxifen, such as increased risk of endometrial cancer, have worried some patients about the use of this drug. While there is a slight increase in the risk of endometrial cancer for Tamoxifen users, it needs to be pointed out strongly that this risk is small in comparison to the great benefits in the large reduction in breast cancer development and recurrence.
Tamoxifen works both as an antiestrogen and a very weak estrogen within the uterus.
The risk is further slightly increase by Tamoxifen. The important fact is that the actual risk to Tamoxifen users with a history of breast cancer is approximately 8 per 1000. Controversy exists within the medical community concerning screening patients on Tamoxifen for uterine problems. However, there is no controversy concerning patients with abnormal bleeding who are taking Tamoxifen. A pelvic ultrasound has been shown to be a highly effective tool in the diagnosis of uterine problems.