Episode 206 - Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors: The Side Effects No One Warns You About

What happens after active cancer treatment ends, when you’re sent on your way with hormone therapy such as tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors and expected to just get on with life?

I’m joined by oncologist Claire Macaulay, a breast oncologist whose work focuses on what happens when patients fall off what she powerfully describes as the “treatment conveyor belt.” We’re also joined by a whole group of people from our community who will inform how this session goes.

Together we explore:

1. When oncology appointments end, but the impact of hormone treatments on daily life is only just beginning.
2. Why so many people struggle to stay on Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors
3. How side effects can impact quality of life, relationships, and sexual wellbeing, and why up to half of patients don’t complete their prescribed course.
4. How to know the unique benefit for you of being on these treatments

This is a compassionate, practical conversation about treatment-induced menopause, being believed when side effects are severe, and how better support could help people stay on treatment without suffering in silence.

Please leave us a review for the podcast - it means the world to us

You can also leave a review here: https://g.page/r/CY_ucIbbJqWMEAI/review

Dani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEt

Blog post mention: https://menopauseandcancer.org/menopause-post-cancer-relief-from-hot-flushes-and-night-sweats/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

11:48 "Managing Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk"

18:12 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Hormones

25:09 "Balancing Cancer Treatment and Quality"

31:46 Longevity, Menopause, and Health Concerns

35:02 Menopause, Cancer, and Conflicting Advice

42:40 "Diagnostic Holiday for Symptoms"

48:52 Tamoxifen vs Aromatase: Bone Health

51:26 "Managing Medication Washout Decisions"

01:00:09 Managing Night Sweats and Sleep

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub