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Risks
By Mayo Clinic staffHormone therapy drugs can have side effects, but each drug has different side effects. Ask your doctor about the possible side effects of the particular drugs you'll receive. Some people experience no side effects, but the most common side effects of hormone therapy for breast cancer include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal discharge
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Vaginal dryness or irritation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Joint and muscle pain
- Impotence in men
Less common, more-serious side effects of hormone therapy medications may include:
- Blood clots in veins
- Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer
- Cataracts
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Broken bones due to bone loss
- Heart disease
Women who take the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen should not become pregnant while taking the drug or for two months after the end of hormone therapy with tamoxifen, as it may cause harm to the fetus.
References
- Tamoxifen: Questions and answers. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/tamoxifen. Accessed June 4, 2010.
- Sabel MS. Oncology. In: Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5316764. Accessed June 4, 2010.
- Meric-Bernstam F, et al. Oncology. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5021163. Accessed June 4, 2010.
- Pritchard KI. Adjuvant endocrine therapy for premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Pritchard KI. Adjuvant endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Ellis M, et al. Endocrine therapy of metastatic breast cancer. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Treatment of invasive breast cancer by stage. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Treatment_by_Stage_Breast_Cancer_5.asp?sitearea=. Accessed June 4, 2010.
- Giuliano AE. Breast Disorders. In: Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5213900. Accessed June 4, 2010.
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