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Treating tamoxifen side effects?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008
Question from AnneC: I have a lot of problems with tamoxifen—extreme vaginal burning and dryness, extremely heavy periods, very fatigued, and body aches. I take Effexor for night sweats but still have the other symptoms. My oncologist doesn't seem to have any solutions. Are there complementary possibilities?
Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: The side effects of tamoxifen that mimic menopausal symptoms can be very devastating. Acupuncture has been successful in clinical trials used in women for hot flashes. As far as the vaginal dryness and the burning sensation, there are personal lubricants such as Astroglide that can help with the symptoms of the vaginal dryness. As for the extremely heavy periods, this is something that I would absolutely discuss with your gynecologist to determine if this is normal for you or if it is caused by an increase in stimulation to the lining of your uterus.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Complementary Medicine Techniques. Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about different types of complementary techniques and how they can help during and after breast cancer treatment.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. is an associate professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Cohen is conducting a number of studies to find out how complementary techniques such as meditation, stress management, emotional writing, yoga, and music therapy might be able to improve patients' quality of life during cancer treatment.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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