Tamoxifen as prevention and endometriosis

Hi, I recently had a fibroadenoma removed from my breast (2nd one) and the pathology showed atypical ductal hyperplasia.  As a result, my breast surgeon wants to put me on a 5 yr. preventative treatment of Tamoxifen.  However, I also have endometriosis and had an ovary removed on 9/11/08.  Since then I have taken low dose birth control pills to suppress my period and the endometriosis.  Which, by the way has worked great.  Now with the tamoxifen I can't take the BC pill though.  So my gyno has recommended Lupron shots with the insertion of an IUD to help with the hormones.  I have read so many negative comments about Lupron that this scares me.  I want to be able to take the Tamoxifen to lower my risk for breast cancer but all these drugs in my body are scaring me.  I also want to be able to avoid another abdominal surgery, ie hysterectomy.  Can you give me a second opinion on all this?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear MissySP:  We cannot offer a second opinion via the internet.  What we can do is offer factual information.  Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen blocker which means that it reduces the amount of estrogen that will get to the breast tissue.  Lupron will essentially suppress ovarian function (resulting in a chemical menopause).  It may be worth having your breast surgeon and gyn talk together about what may be best for you.  If they are not from the same institution, a teaching facility may be able to offer a team approach that will be better able to sort through all of your issues and identify the best plan for you.