Tamoxifen and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2019

For Breast Cancer "About 3 weeks after starting tamoxifen, I would wake up at night with night sweats and just insomnia. I noticed that I was definitely more hungry and craving junk food, which in turn caused me to gain about 5 pounds. I could have lived with these side effects, but then I started flying off the handle with my children at the drop of a hat. My reactions were crazy. I am normally generally mellow and easy-going. Then after about 4 months, I noticed I was having trouble focusing at work and was in a brain fog. It was mild at first but continued to progress to where I would fall asleep regularly at my desk. I decided for the sake of my new job (I am a widow and sole provider) that I needed to go off it for a while. After about 2 weeks, my life started returning to normal. I occasionally try to take it again, but then after a few weeks of starting it, the side effects return. I really wish more options were available to me to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer."

• 100...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I had breast cancer in 2004, ductal in situ, so I was very lucky. I had a breast removal, then radiation, and 5 years on tamoxifen. I was 48 at the time but very fit and had already gone through an early menopause, so the drug did give me symptoms, although I had not suffered any when going through the menopause. I had hot flushes, mild night sweats, mood swings, and put on a lot of weight! But it was all worth it to survive, and I soon got my figure back when I stopped it after 5 years. All I would say is treat these side effects as the menopause, and you will find they ease. Avoid spicy food, alcohol, and wear layers of clothes so when you get hot you can slip something off. Stay very active, my own weight gain happened when I slowed up my exercise. Also, I found sage tea very good for cooling down. Please, ladies, stick with it and stay well."

• Van...
• April 15, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with DC breast cancer in November 2014. After 6 chemo treatments, a double mastectomy, and 33 radiation treatments, I have been on Tamoxifen for 7 months. The hot flashes are getting better at times, and I'm taking Gabapentin for my hot flashes. The back and hip pain is horrible. I have put on 20 lbs. I go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week and ride my horse 3 times a week, but all forced. I feel bad pretty much all the time. Always sick to my stomach. Working out makes me feel more sick, but I push through it anyway. No matter what I do, I can't drop weight. I'm in the process of losing my eyelashes for the 4th time. I used to have pretty, thick hair, and now it's thin. My memory is horrible. I hate this life."

• Car...
• July 27, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I had stage 1 IDC breast cancer, diagnosed in June 2013, mastectomies in August 2013, and started tamoxifen in October 2013. After experiencing stomach digestive issues, I went off it in March 2014 until August, then back on and have been on it ever since. So almost 1 year straight, but another 5 months of it before that as well. My biggest complaint is feeling so wiped out by the end of the day. I take it at night when going to bed, usually around 10 PM. Does anyone think switching the time I take the pill will matter? I have also noticed a 5-10 pound weight gain. I'm very active and fit-I lift weights, run, and do CrossFit. I have found that the side effects of this drug are forcing me to live and eat cleaner to try and reduce them."

• Lyn...
• February 24, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I've been on tamoxifen for 3 1/3 years. In the beginning, I was fine, but as years went on, I began to have extreme fatigue, feels like it's hard to swallow at times, anxiety, can't drive due to lack of focus, and hot flashes. Oh, I forgot that I gained a lot of weight and I take Zumba classes. I told the Dr. that I'm having a hard time driving, and he just dismisses what I say. The nurse said that there was another patient complaining about the same thing. I have 6 1/2 more years on this medicine. I'm doing my best!"

• pin...
• January 16, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I was on tamoxifen for 5 years. It drove me into severe depression. I was delusional to the point of being in a psychiatric hospital for 1 year. No doctor at the time could find out why I was as I was! I had water retention, weight gain of 25 kilos, fluid on my lungs, which caused coughing to the point I felt I was suffocating, insomnia, joint pain, nausea, and hot flushes. And to crown it all, skin disorders, of which the rash and sores made me look like I had HIV. Bicarbonate of soda, lemons, and ginger have improved my health!"

• Mar...
• September 15, 2015

For Breast Cancer "Was for 5 years, increased to 10 years, I'm in year 7. Had 3 lumpectomies within a 3-month span, had chemo, radiation, plus 1 year of Herceptin for ductal carcinoma in situ T2 HER2+. I am alive and plan on staying that way. After much research and talking to doctors, the conclusion is that chemo and tamoxifen seem to have precipitated other chronic illnesses: chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, osteopenia, clinical depression, gastroenteritis, worsened IBS, and PTSD. My legs, lower back, and fingers are usually swollen and usually in pain. I wanted off the tamoxifen due to the weakness in my legs and fatigue. No other was as effective in inhibiting estrogen. I still lose my hair, gained 130 lbs, I'm in a wheelchair. I'm alive. 3 years to go."

• Pam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have been on tamoxifen for almost a year now. I experience hot flashes, which can be unbearable at times. I have joint pain, which makes it hard to walk. I also have gained about 10 to 15 pounds since I have been taking this medicine."

• Jin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Have been taking tamoxifen for 3 1/2 years, my estrogen levels are going through the roof, I'm anxious all the time, put on weight and very hard to lose. My liver shudders at night like I have been drinking hard."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 8, 2013

For Breast Cancer "I took Tamoxifen for 5 years with very little side effects. I had some weight gain, but nothing I could not handle. I had hot flashes in the beginning, but finally went away."

• ber...
• April 22, 2009

Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer "Positive and Negative points. Makes you gain weight, feel moody, and bloated. Fluid retention is bad."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this drug for one year. Have pain, weight gain, lack of sleep, tiredness, but I am alive. I think it gets easier as time passes. I try to remain positive."

• Ina...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 22, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I can relate to leg cramps at night, severe back pain, and insomnia. I’ve picked up a lot of weight and feel constantly swollen. Anyone else with these last two symptoms?"