Tamoxifen v Bladder Issues

[Calamintha]

Hi Folks - I've been on Tamoxifen (previously on anastrazole) for 3 months. Gradually over the last 6 weeks I started to have bladder issues. I have to urinate much more frequently, and "control" is becoming an issue. Once I actually wet myself. I often feel like I have to make the effort not to leak. I've read mixed reports about the cause being tamoxifen. Have any of you had this experience ? Also, if you have had (any) side effects, did changing the brand of Tamoxifen help ? Thanks

[mathematics]

Yes I know what you are on about I had it with tamoxifen and also when they put me on Letrazole afterwards. I did have a camera up my bladder to check everything was ok because I began to have break through bleeding but there was nothing sinister and the consultant said it was probably due to the hormones because of the tablets I was on. I did stick it all out for 5 years tamoxifen and 5 years letrazole as I was taking them as adjuvant therapy and to make sure the aggressive cancer I had did not come back. All the best and they seem to have different treatments available now so I hope that if you find one you get an alternative tablet with less side effects. Take care.

[LPBath]

hi Calamintha - I wonder if you are experiencing symptoms of GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) rather than specific side effects of Tamoxifen. What you describe are very common symptoms that can be felt as we experience loss of oestrogen in the vagina and urethra/bladder areas. If you are not already on vaginal oestrogen, that may well help you and it is safe for women to take if they are on tamoxifen and if they have, or have had, breast cancer. You will need to discuss a prescription with your GP. There is a lot of information on the internet about this - maybe look at Dr Louise Newson’s instagram (menopause _doctor) or website (balance) for more info if you are interested? Vaginal oestrogen is probably something that all women could benefit from if they are taking AIs or tamoxifen. Just a thought. Best of luck!

[Calamintha in reply to LPBath]

Thanks. Certainly worth looking onto. In my particular case I had slightly earlier than average menopause, long before I had the cancer. I was on Anastrozole for my hormone related breast cancer for 3 years, but recently changed to Tamoxifen to try and mitigate the bone loss it causes ( I have severe reaction to bisphosphonates) I was given to understand anastrazole totally blocks oestrogen, but Tamoxifen targets the breast area. So in that repect my body is absorbing more oestrogen rather than less. I was told I couldn't have vaginal oestrogen because my cancer was hormone specific, but I will mention it to the doctor.

[LPBath]

I think you are right about the different actions of anastrozole and tamoxifen - I was on anastrozole but thankfully was able to stop it after discussing the risks vs benefits with my oncologist. I found the joint pains severe whilst on it, and many menopause symptoms got worse (I’m 63). My cancer was also oestrogen receptor positive. It does seem that many doctors still think that vaginal oestrogen can't be given to women who’ve had breast cancer, but there is evidence to show it is safe - hopefully I’ve attached a link to an IG post which cites recent research, but there is more evidence available if you are interested.

instagram.com/p/CzeWOl1pm20...

I had similar urinary symptoms to you, could hardly get round the supermarket without wetting myself! Vaginal oestrogen has definitely reduced those problems - it can prevent the gradual worsening GSM effects that women who are in menopause will likely experience, whether the menopause is due to medical treatment or natural. Good for all of us. It is a very small amount of oestrogen and so is not systemic (like HRT) , it only has a local effect. Menopause specialists often say that a whole year’s dose of vaginal oestrogen is the same as one day’s dose of HRT.

I do hope you find the tamoxifen helps you without the problems that anastrozole can have - it is important that we try to find the best quality of life after getting through the treatment for breast cancer! All the best! Let us know how you get on.