Tamoxifen is known for its therapeutic effects against breast cancer. It can be either used to treat early stage and metastatic breast cancer or to reduce breast cancer risk in high-risk patients. However, tamoxifen has also been used to treat other diseases, including infertility and bipolar disorder.
Infertility
According BreastCancer.org, tamoxifen improves fertility by blocking estrogen, a female hormone. Although estrogen is an important hormone for women, it will cause infertility if too much of it is produced. Use of tamoxifen increases ovulation and consequently the odds of getting pregnant by 30 percent, according to GettingPregnant.co.uk.
Bipolar Disorder
According to a 2008 study published in "Archive of General Psychiatry," tamoxifen can be used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder patients. This study was small, only involving 50 patients and lasting three weeks. Therefore, a long-term large prospective clinical trial is required to confirm the therapeutic effects of tamoxifen for bipolar disorder.
Bone Loss and Hip Fracture Prevention
Tamoxifen may reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women. According to a 2003 guideline published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, tamoxifen has a modest positive influence on bone mineral density and fracture risk. Several clinical trials have shown that tamoxifen therapy might reduce the risk of hip fracture up to 20 percent. However, tamoxifen is not recommended as a stand-alone osteoporosis therapy.
