Anti-Estrogen Side Effects

Anti-estrogen medications are used to block the actions of estrogen, a female hormone produced in the ovaries, to prevent certain types of cancer. The medication works by blocking the production of estrogen, a vital instrument in the formation of tumors associated with breast cancer. As with most hormonal supplements, there are a number of side effects associated with using this drug.

Common Side Effects

• Some of the most common side effects include warmness of the skin, joint paint, hot flashes, vaginal itching or dryness, depression, weakness, weight loss, sore throat, cough, nausea, skin changes, decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving orgasm, dizziness, headache and thinning hair. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with this drug, they only affect a small amount of users.

Severe Side Effects

• Unfortunately, there are also a number of severe side effects associated with anti-estrogen medication. Some of these side effects include sudden headache, confusion, pain or numbness in one side of the body, speech and balance problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up of blood, unusual vaginal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, irregular menstrual cycles, breast lumps and stomach pain. These side effects are also very rare and do not affect a large amount of users.

Important Safety Information

• Anti-estrogen medications have been known to cause harm to unborn babies, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant before beginning treatment. If you have ever had liver disease or allergic reactions to any type of food or medication, consult with your doctor to determine if anti-estrogen treatment is right for you. This medication may increase your risk for uterine cancer, blood clots in the lung and stroke, so please be aware of these risks before beginning treatment.

Use

• Always use this medication in direct conjunction with your doctor's instructions and never in dosages that exceed recommendations on the label. The medication is administered in pill form and should be taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food and must be taken on a regular basis for treatment to be effective. Some users may need to take anti-estrogen medications for up to five years, depending on how fast the drug works in your system.

Warning

• If you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, contact your doctor for an adjusted treatment method. If an overdose is suspected, contact the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 and head directly to the nearest emergency room. Anti-estrogens are meant for medical treatments only and should never be used recreationally.