Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Quick Links
all articles Treatments A-Z Help Center Guidelines Crisis Accessibility
Resources
Breast Cancer Information Breast Cancer Symptoms and Side Effects Breast Cancer Treatments Emotional Well-Being Living With Breast Cancer All Resources
About MyBCTeam
What is This Site Terms of Use Privacy policy
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What Are The Differences In The Estrogen Blockers And The Side Effects. Are They All The Same Side Effects?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Jacksonville, FL
September 14, 2024
•
Be the first to like/hug
A MyBCTeam Member

Please ladies do not reduce your estrogen hormones, or any hormones in your body. Estrogen is needed for every chemical reactions in our body. Make your defence system stronger to kill the cancer cells, our T cells... Estrogen is needed for your living.

September 14, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Most of the side effects of all 3 Hormone blockers are the same since they reduce most of the estrogen in our bodies. Its that reduction of estrogen that causes the side effects. However, there are different 'fillers' in each one and many women think its these fillers that cause different reactions. So, if you take one and get intolerable side effects you can try another one to see if its any better. In my opinion lacking estrogen is going to cause the same effects.

September 14, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Since I had stage 0 cancer, I chose to have total Mastectomy of both breasts. My doc was against it. But my mind is not changed. I took away the area that cultivated my cancer... but not to destroy the Esrogen produced in my body. Also did not fry my heart brand lungs by radiations.. pts get next lung cancer, why? Their function, and integrrity is reduced by radiations. I am against that too.

September 14, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

My thoughts also. I was on Letroxole and didn't know that it was lack of estrogen causing my hip pain. I don't want that kind of pain again. But I don't want cancer again either.

September 14, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Estrogen blockers, also known as hormone therapies, can have different side effects depending on the type of medication. Here are some key differences:

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Medications: Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, Toremifene
- Common Side Effects
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness Show Full Answer

Estrogen blockers, also known as hormone therapies, can have different side effects depending on the type of medication. Here are some key differences:

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- Medications: Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, Toremifene
- Common Side Effects:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Rare Side Effects:
- Cataracts
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)
- Endometrial cancer

Aromatase Inhibitors
- Medications: Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane
- Common Side Effects:
- Bone, joint, and muscle pain
- Osteoporosis
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings

Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs)
- Medication: Fulvestrant
- Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness or weakness
- Pain in bones, joints, or muscles
- Flu-like symptoms
- Digestive changes (constipation, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite)

General Notes
- Ovarian Suppression: Methods like oophorectomy, radiation therapy, and LHRH agonist drugs can also lead to menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Important Considerations
- Eye Health: Due to the risk of cataracts, regular eye check-ups are recommended.
- Blood Clots: Report any unusual pain, redness, or swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, confusion, or difficulty moving.
- Endometrial Cancer: Unusual vaginal bleeding should be reported immediately.

Each type of hormone therapy has its own set of potential side effects, and not everyone will experience them in the same way. Always consult with your doctor to manage and mitigate these side effects effectively.

September 14, 2024

Related content

View All

Having Red Plug Get Affected To Your Breast Size?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Calgary, AB
May 18, 2013

Has Anyone Ever Had Fever After Kadcyla Treatment? My Treatment Was 2 1/2 Weeks Ago Ago And My Fever Is On And Off..

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ringwood, NJ
January 27, 2018

Anyone Else Opting For No Reconstruction? We're You Able To Get An Aesthetic Flat Closure? How Does It Look/feel? Any Regrets?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chula Vista, CA
June 6, 2024
Soy and Breast Cancer: Is Soy Safe To Eat?
Letrozole vs. Anastrozole for Breast Cancer: A Comparison
When Is the Best Time of Day To Take Tamoxifen?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in