[Katez]

I'm a breast cancer survivor and have to take Tamoxifen (hormone therapy) for 4 more years. One of the side-effects is weight gain.

I haven't *gained* any weight. I kept off the 10 lbs I lost during chemo. But I can't manage to lose any more. I've even gone so far as to consult my doctor, who had me cut my diet to between 1200 and 1400 calories a day and still nothing. My thyroid is normal.

Needless to say it's frustrating at best. Does anyone out here have experience with Tamoxifen and had any success with weightloss at all? I have about 40 lbs to lose.

~Kate

[eliz928]

I am in almost exactly the same boat. Actually, I put on weight after all my treatments were over. Like you, I don't believe Tamoxifen causes weight gain, but it sure makes it difficult if not impossible to lose! I am so angry with myself for putting on 30 pounds - once the chemo was over, I wanted to eat everything in sight. I have to admit that I was very active before the treatments, and have not really worked out in almost 2 years. So I am starting again to use weights, walk, and watch the diet. I have a feeling it will be a long haul.

[Tato]

I have finished my 5 years of tamoxifen and I seem to feel hungrier all the time now. During my 5 years of medication I lost and gained about the same amount every year (lose 15, gain 15). My oncologist told me this medication does make some women gain weight, but not a great amount. He did tell me it makes it harder to lose weight. I hope this year will be my year to reach goal since I no longer take this drug. Good luck to both of you. It is hard enough to lose weight without taking drugs that work against you!

[eliz928]

So, if you don't mind my asking, how did you lose your 15 pounds? (I Know only too well how to put it on.) My doctor says that they only way she has seen women successfully lose the weight is to doweight bearing excercises. I figure I have this going on now with my personal trainer, but I've been going to him for 3 weeks and no real progress on the weight at all. My doctor says that it will take 6 months to reverse the metabolic changes that occur with the tamoxifen.