Many women only experience one or two of these side effects and some women do not experience any. Women who are considering tamoxifen should discuss all potential benefits and risks with their physicians prior to treatment. In many cases, the benefit of treating or preventing breast cancer with tamoxifen outweighs the risk of these side effects. Hot flashes may be accompanied by sweating, flushing, or heart palpitations. Hot flashes occur when estrogen is blocked in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the body's thermostat.
Some women find that regular exercise can help reduce hot flashes.
Therefore, these symptoms may be related to menopause itself and not tamoxifen use. It is sometimes difficult to determine to what extent tamoxifen may contribute to these symptoms, as many women with a diagnosis of breast cancer are approaching menopause or they are post-menopausal. Other reported menopausal symptoms in addition to hot flashes include vaginal dryness, mood changes, headaches, and irregular menstrual cycles. Women who experience vaginal dryness, irritation, or discharge are encouraged to ask their physicians about using vaginal lubricants to help relieve these symptoms. In some cases, vaginal discharge can be an indication of a more serious condition, such as endometrial cancer, and may require further investigation.