What is a common side effect of Tamoxifen?

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) commonly used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. One of the well-documented side effects of Tamoxifen is hot flashes. This occurs because Tamoxifen acts as an antagonist to estrogen receptors in breast tissue while functioning as an estrogen agonist in other tissues, such as the endometrium. The alteration in estrogen activity can disrupt normal temperature regulation and lead to vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes.

In contrast, while increased energy, weight gain, and improved appetite may be considerations in the context of medication side effects, they are not commonly reported side effects associated with Tamoxifen use. Weight gain and changes in appetite are not specifically linked to Tamoxifen and could vary widely among individuals due to a multitude of factors, including cancer treatment dynamics, lifestyle changes, and individual metabolism. Understanding these effects is crucial for patient management and education when prescribing Tamoxifen.