TNBC and HRT

mightlybird01

I would like to discuss what people have learned or experienced about whether or not HRT is ok after TNBC. I am 1.5 year post menopause and feel generally very well, but I can definitely feel I am getting a bit stiffer, more joint pain, dry eyes and of course hot flushes and vaginal dryness. I would say my symptoms are very minor at the moment and I could easily accept them as my new normal, but I would like to keep informed and learn from other people's experiences just in case that menopausal symptoms would get worse.

Thanks!

moth

I was told no because having had cancer once, no matter what type, puts us at higher risk of a second cancer so they'd recommend against anything that might contribute to additional cancer risk.

MountainMia

Hi. Sorry I didn't see this a couple of days ago. I've been using estradiol tablet vaginal inserts 2x a week for about the last 6 years. Brand name is Yuvafem. My TNBC diagnosis was Feb 2019. None of my docs including the MO suggested I stop, and this year I specifically asked if it is okay to continue with it. I was told yes. It's a very low dose medication and has very little blood stream impact, but it does help keep vaginal tissues more comfortable. I don't know how sex would be without it, but it isn't a problem with it. I just turned 60 last month.

Hope this helps.

mightlybird01

Thank you moth and MountainMia.

I actually also used Yuvafem when I first started experiencing vaginal atrophy (around age 48), prior to cancer. It worked fine. But then I stopped after only a few months, because hubby and I found other ways that worked too and I found this treatment cumbersome.

But now, my main concern would be the joint pain. We are very physically active and I really would be very unhappy if I could no longer do my work with my horses, my farm and all the hiking with my dog.

MountainMia, have you ever considered systemic HRT? If not why not?

Also, I wonder, at what point after becoming post-menopausal are the symptoms at their worst. I am 51 now, 1.5 years post final period. Will my symptoms likely stay where they are, get better or get worse? I know every person is different, that's why I would like to hear what the different experiences are.

MountainMia

I have not considered systemic HRT. I haven't really experienced the hot flashes and night sweats some women suffer with. As to joint pain, yes, there is more of that. I'm having a hip joint flare up now, which is kind of frustrating. I expect more of that in my future. But I don't have general problems with arthritis. And I don't think we can avoid aches and pains forever.

Seems like it would be a good conversation to have with your gyn or internal medicine doc.

Territarti01

hi. I have just started using synapause (estrial 1mg per gram) a dot each night on my eurethra- 3 yrs post tnbc with hysterectomy for prevention. It has helped with bladder infections but not comfortable intercourse.