Which of the following are common side effects of SERMs?

• A. Hair growth on palms
• B. Improved vision
• C. Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal discharge or dryness, leg cramps
• D. Weight gain of 50 pounds

Answer: (C)

SERMs modulate estrogen receptors in a tissue-specific way, acting like estrogen in some tissues and blocking it in others. This can trigger menopausal-like symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, and it can cause vaginal changes like discharge or dryness. Leg cramps are also a commonly reported side effect. The other options don’t fit the typical SERM side effect profile: hair growth on the palms isn’t linked to SERMs, improved vision isn’t a usual outcome, and gaining 50 pounds is not characteristic of SERMs. So the combination of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal changes, and leg cramps best fits what is commonly seen with SERMs.