Hair loss after 4 1/2 yrs on Tamoxifen

Options
Suzie-Q-Z
Suzie-Q-Z Member Posts: 40
in Breast Cancer #1

 I have been on tamoxifen for 4 1/2 years and I'm just now, in the last month, experiencing a lot of hair loss. It's coming out evenly not in patches.  I'm losing enough that I'm having to clean out my hairbrush every few days.  I am 47 years old and started having menopause symptoms right after starting chemo.  I had my six-month follow-up with my oncologist yesterday who had no suggestions and had to look up the possible side effects of tamoxifen while I was there and found nothing .

Comments

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #2
    Options
    Talk with your OB/GYN

    I've been on Tamoxifen for 6 years now, and have not experienced any hair loss.  I'm 46, and nowhere near menopause, and chemo didn't affect my periods at all, so perimenopause/menopause isn't an issue in my case.

    I'm angry to hear that your oncologist didn't seem knowledgeable about Tamoxifen side effects -- you deserve better, and I'd really encourage you to speak with someone who knows more about this.

    In my own experience, my OB/GYN has always been more knowledgeable about how Tamoxifen affects women day-to-day, as she sees has lots of patients who take it, and talks with women every day.  And an OB/GYN would definitely be more knowledgeable about how menopause might be a factor.

    Please don't just settle for your oncologist's answer.

    Traci

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #3
    Options
    I was on Tamoxifen for 5 yrs

    I was on Tamoxifen for 5 yrs (NOW off 2 plus years) I never had any issues with me hair, but we each are effected diffently.

     

    I was mid 40s while on tomoxifen.

     

    Denise

  • Suzie-Q-Z
    Suzie-Q-Z Member Posts: 40
    #4
    Options
     I stopped having periods as

     I stopped having periods as soon as I started chemo and was told tamoxifen was the cause for my menopause. My oncologist couldn't rule out tamoxifen  for the hair loss,  but suggest It could be related to menopause. 

Discussion Boards