Are Serms Bad For You?
Also Known As: selective estrogen receptor modulators
Short answer
With medication, it is always hard to conclude whether something is bad for you or not, as these drugs could potentially be life-saving. That said, there are some grave risks associated with SERMs.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) work by acting on estrogen receptors. A(n) SERM will have antagonistic effects on some tissues (i.e. breast, uterus) and an agonist effect on others (i.e. bones, lipids). While there is some hope that they could be a safer alternative to hormonal replacement therapy, SERMS are given to postmenopausal women and are used primarily in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. There are currently three SERMS in use: tamoxifen, raloxifene, and toremifene.
Tamoxifen has been on the market the longest and is available as both a pill (Nolvadex) and in liquid form (Soltamox). Tamoxifen is used to treat certain forms of breast cancer in men and women. Raloxifene (Evista) is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It is also used in preventing invasive breast cancer. Toremifene is prescribed for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
While SERMs may help in certain areas, especially in the prevention and treatment of various forms of breast cancer, they are not without serious - possibly even fatal - risks. Common side-effects associated with SERMs are fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal discharge, and mood swings. Raloxifene carries the added risk of blood clot in the leg, lung, or eye, with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism being potentially fatal. Due to its potential clotting effect, raloxifene may also cause a stroke. Toremifene can cause a fatal heart rhythm disorder and should be avoided by anyone with Long QT syndrome or who has low levels of magnesium and potassium in the blood.
SERMs are not recommended for pre-menopausal women and are not safe for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the future.
Despite the fact that SERMS do have positive applications, the risks associated with them do not let us recommend them very highly. However, as always, consult a trusted doctor.
Possible short-term side effects
- blood clotting
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heart arrhythmia
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stroke
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night sweats
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chills
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mood swings
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hot flashes
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vaginal discharge
Ingredients to be aware of
- toremifine
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raloxifene
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tamoxifen
Benefits
- prevents and treats osteoporosis
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prevents / treats some types of breast cancer
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 02-28-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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