Anyone taking ERT post dx for menopausal symptoms?

KJ560

Looking to hear from other members that are similar in age and dx to me that have been taking “estrogen only” to treat symptoms of menopause (specifically hot flashes, night sweats, interrupted sleep, vaginal dryness) for an extended period of time post dx with no bc recurrence.

ElaineTherese

Hi KJ560!

You haven't shared your age or your diagnosis. However, as someone diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer, my oncologist's goal is to reduce the estrogen in my body, not replace it as it fed my cancer. So, no, not taking ERT.

MinusTwo

KJ - please go to My Profile and fill in any previous diagnosis & treatment so we can better answer your questions. And as Elaine says, we don't know your age.

Murfy

Nothing systemic. But for AI-induced urethritis, I'd put an itty bitty dab of premarin cream right on top of urethral opening several nights in a row. It worked.

Newnorm

Hi, I have ground flaxseed everyday and it definitely helps with hot flashes. Some think it’s a bad thing for ER+ cancer but I’ve read enough to believe otherwise.

KJ560

Thank you all for commenting on my post. I am recently new to the community and wasn’t aware that my dx, surgery, and age were set to private. Thank you for your suggestions to update my information. Hopefully I did it correctly! I am 59. Was diagnosed last year with IDC. Had lumpectomy and hypofractionalzed radiation. My oncotype score was 10. I refused AI therapy. My Oncologist suggested that I read the book Estrogen Matters by Dr. Avrum Bluming. He would have no problem with me taking estrogen to relieve my severe hot flashes and night sweats. I do not have a uterus. I want to be very careful with my health and not have a recurrence of bc. But my QOL has been terrible with these vasomotor symptoms and sleepless nights. Thank you for for comments

Murfy

Well, according to WebMD there are a number of non-estrogen drugs one can take for hot flashes. I believe there are also threads on this site that discuss the matter. I'm surprised a doc would recommend therapeutic estrogen for a hormone positive BC patient. Here is what I found:

Gabapentin and pregabalin, usually given for nerve-mediated pain or seizures, offer relief for some women. Antidepressants venlafaxine (Effexor), fluoxetine (Prozac), and paroxetine (Paxil) have also been shown to be effective for treatment of hot flashes.

Yogatyme

I was on ERT for a number of years and was instructed to stop it immediately upon dx as it was feeding my ER+ tumor. Coming off abruptly was not a day at the park but once it got out of my system I actually did better than I expected. I have to say, it surprises me that your Oncologist supported this. Could you share what you learned from the book?