Early Menopause for TNBC & HRT

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Dragonfli
Dragonfli Member Posts: 50
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Okay, I am 6 years out from all treatment being completed.  My chemo tossed me head first into menopause at 42. I am going to ask my doctor tomorrow for HRT. I am fed up with being hot all the time, swelling when I get too warm. Poor ventilation in the office, with younger(colder) female workers, it"s making work irritable. Any thoughts on HRT on TN`s? Anyone on HRT?

Thank you in advance 

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  • brena
    brena Member Posts: 458
    edited June 2010

    hi Dragonfli,

    Your question caught my eye and thought i could give you my take and why i did choose hrt. I was also fed up with the side effects of chemo-pause and what so amazed at the pills that i could get to help with my symptoms, Dr's total disregard to the SE of the pills. Anyway, I did about 9 months of reading everything I could get my hands on bio-HRT, literature from around the world, trial results, research papers etc. I had finally decided to go forward and knew from my readings that my quest would be an uphill battle, as you will probably encounter. Gyno's hate to write scripts for HRT, legal issues and to solve this problem i wrote a letter to my gyno basically letting her off the hook if i were to have a recurrence. I was and am fully aware of the risks that i am taking and accept those for a better quality of life. I don't know how long i will need to stay on them but will until the major SE are gone. The HRT has helped alleviate the SE, my insurance does pay for the drug, I have normal copay but worth it.

    My Oncologist was NOT very happy with my decision, and at this time he is not aware that i have added estriol to my HRT. So i am now taking progesterone, estriol, testosterone at minimal dosage to alleviate symptoms.

    I did saliva tests to determine my levels prior to starting the drug, then finding a compound pharmacy is not an easy task, hell i didn't even know they existed until this time. So from first visit to gyno to actual 1st does was about 5 months, remember during this time the saliva test, revisit, insurance and all other technicalities were performed.

    feeling less hormonal

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  • wrsmith2x
    wrsmith2x Member Posts: 410
    edited July 2010

    Had a hysterectomy at age 41 due to endometriosis and then immediately started HRT and I loved it!!  It took care of all my symptoms!  Three years on HRT and then diagnozed with TNBC.  Even though my bc was caught early and I am 2 1/2 years out from treatment I still think that HRT contributed to my diagnosis.  I can't be positive, however, as I have many risk factors for bc:  I am a female, in my 40's, overweight, started my periods young, drink alcohol regularly, never had children, post-menopausal, and so on and so on.  Not sure about the HRT.  Hope it works well for you guys.

    Just my two cents.

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  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 4,352
    edited July 2010

    I am convinced that HRT contributed to my TNBC, however, if I don't get my period within the 8 month window (yes, it can take that long to come back!) my dr gave me the go-ahead to use bioidentical hormones only.  From the reading I have done though, bioidenticals are a bit complicated and you should consult with a knowledgeable doctor with experience in their use.  Here is an extensive article regarding this:

    http://www.yourmenopausetype.com/menopausequestionsandanswers/04232000.html 

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  • eileen1955
    eileen1955 Member Posts: 365
    edited August 2010

    I'm confused by your posts, ladies, but there may just be a gaping hole in my info. Wouldn't be the first time!   I thought that HRT did not relate to TN b/c TN has no estrogen/progesterone receptors.  When I asked my gyn about HRI to alleviate symptoms of menopause, she said she would fear that I'd be at higher risk for a NEW estrogen/progesterone reveptive bc esp in  view of my history of one bc (even tho it is TN) My gyn said she only orders HRT in the absolute worst cases where a woman cannot function due to menopausal symptoms.  I almost met that criteria; but that was partly the chemo-fog.                        wrsmith: you mentioned alcohol as a risk factor for TN. My understanding is that alcohol is related to estrogen-dependent bc.  You also mentioned that you fear HRT following hysterectomy may have caused TN. If you were only 41 and went thru surgical menopause; then I see it as you just replacing the hormones you so abruptly lost.      My point is that it's basically a roll of the dice and you should not feel so responsible.                    One thing that I do know for sure and must start to practice: eating healthy and exercising regularly is the best way to prevent a recurrence of bc.   Sending best wishes to you all!

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