You’re sitting quietly, and suddenly your face feels hot, your clothes feel heavy, and sweat starts forming. Your heart may race. It can feel uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. Many women experience this while taking tamoxifen. It is one of the most common side effects. Let's understand why it happened and what you can do about it.

Why does tamoxifen cause hot flashes?

Tamoxifen blocks estrogen from attaching to breast cells, which helps prevent cancer cells from growing. But it also assists in regulating body temperature. Your brain is sensitive to changes in temperature when there are hormone changes. The slightest change will cause a hot flash.

You might notice:

• Warmth suddenly spreads to the upper body.
• Redness on the face or neck
• Sweating, particularly at night.
• Chills after the heat passes
• Trouble sleeping

Hot flashes can happen a few times a week or several times a day.

Simple ways to manage them

You cannot stop hot flashes completely, but you can reduce how intenensity.Wear breathable fabrics. Choose loose cotton clothes. Avoid tight or synthetic fabrics that trap heat. Keep your room cool. Use a fan. Keep the windows open. Light bedding is helpful at night. Drink water regularly. Hydration helps to maintain the temperature. Avoid triggers. Hot flushes become worse in some women when they consume spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, or experience stress. Track what affects you. Practice slow breathing. Begin with slow, deep breathing when a hot flash begins. Breathe in four seconds via the nose. Exhale slowly. This can calm your body.

Night sweats and sleep

Hot flashes often feel worse at night. Night sweats can disturb sleep and leave you exhausted. Try:

• Cotton nightwear
• A shower before bed
• Keeping a small towel near you
• Using moisture-wicking bedsheets

If sleep problems continue, tell your doctor. Poor sleep affects recovery and mood.

When symptoms feel too strong

When the hot flushes are unbearable or interfere with your lifestyle, consult your doctor. Non-hormonal medicines can help. Do not discontinue tamoxifen without doctors guidance.  Tamoxifen helps in lowering the chances of cancer recurrence. Managing side effects is part of the journey, and your medical team can guide you.

You are not alone in this

Hot flushes are frustrating. There are days when you can be fed up with them. But it is this side effect that indicates that the medicine is working within your body. Be patient with yourself. Keep your body cool. Seek assistance where necessary. This phase may feel uncomfortable, but it is manageable, and you don’t have to handle it alone.