Antiestrogens are medications that block the effects of estrogen, the dominant female hormone. Antiestrogens inhibit abnormal cell growth in some breast and uterine cancer tumors. Some antiestrogens selectively target estrogen receptors on some types of cells and not others. Known as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators, or SERMS, these drugs inhibit cancer growth while allowing positive benefits of estrogen on other cells. Tamoxifen is the most commonly used antiestrogen in breast cancer treatment, Fox Chase Cancer Center says. Antiestrogens can also have a number of undesirable side effects.
HOt Flashes, Vaginal Discharge, Irregular Periods
Antiestrogen SERMS used to treat breast cancer, such as tamoxifen, can have negative effects on the female reproductive system. Antiestrogens can cause menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, which occur in 80 percent of people taking tamoxifen, eMedTV states; vaginal discharge, which occurs in 50 percent; and irregular periods, which occur in 25 percent of pre-menopausal women. Loss of libido, irregular vaginal bleeding, mood swings, memory loss, night sweats, thinning hair, fatigue and headache can also occur. Women who experience night sweats and hot flashes more often have few recurrences of breast cancer, BreastCancer.org says. SERMS can also increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma, two types of uterine cancer.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots, Chest Pain, Severe Headache, Numbness, Vision Problems
Antiestrogens that are also SERMS can have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering levels of LDL cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. But SERMS also increases the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to pulmonary embolism or stroke. People who take SERMS should watch for chest pain, calf pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe headache, difficulty speaking, drooping facial muscles, numbness or tingling of the extremities, vision problems or decreased movement on one side of the body. Fluid retention occurs in up to 32 percent of people taking tamoxifen, eMedTV reports.
Bone, Back and Muscle Pain
Antiestrogens that are also SERMS can reduce osteoporosis, a decrease in bone density that often develops in menopausal women due to low estrogen levels. Bone pain, back pain and muscle pain can also occur in people taking SERMS such as tamoxifen.
Nausea, Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Constipation, Diarrhea
Antiestrogens such as tamoxifen can cause nausea in up to 26 percent of people, eMedTV says. Weight loss occurs in up to 23 percent of people, but weight gain can also occur, along with constipation, diarrhea, indigestion or heartburn.
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