Bioidentical Hormones after treatment?

Hi NatalieE,

Welcome!  There are actually a lot of discussions on this very issue of BHRT, and you'll find lots of lively debate.  

If you care to share more about where you're coming from, in terms of your contemplation, and/or about your specific diagnosis, there are bound to be others who can offer more specific suggestions.  Congrats on 6-1/2 years!  It's great to hear from survivors like you!

NatalieE..  I was just wondering if, before you take that huge leap over the edge, have you tried the creams that put the lowest amount of estriol into your system?   I have had remarkable results with natural progesterone cream along with (very recently) estriol and am much happier!   My problem was in my entire life I had never had a UTI and after menopause it was becoming a real, continual problem.  I did some research and found that it was most probably the reduction of estrogen in my body that was now allowing my body to host the bacteria that, in the past, it was able to reject.. I'm 5 months out and not another UTI, my interest in sex has increased and I am starting to sleep even better than when I was on the progesterone cream alone.  Now there is another thread on this same forum that helps guide you with amounts (what is the best levels etc)..  And the most recent reports are that we should always go to the smallest amounts - and only increase the hormones until the best results are found.  A rice size pellet injected into a hip doesn't sound like the smallest amount.  Whatever you decide I hope you get some relief!!!  Best, Deirdre

I too was DCIS ER+ & PR+.. what I found from asking a lot of questions of a lot of doctors (as well as following it up with research).. the PR+ doesn't really have a "meaning" to doc's, some pathologist don't even want to test for it anymore - they know that progesterone effects lesions and tumor (in that there is activity when progesterone is introduced) but they don't really know WHAT occurs or whether it is totally b9.. But as Sandie stated above estriol is the "safest" level of estrogen..  I use just a very small amount and it pushes back the symtoms so well that I am feeling (and looking I might add) much younger and healthier..  I wouldn't suggest that someone with INVASIVE cancer jump into this without the help of some professional though.. please remember that DCIS is PRE-INVASIVE cancer..

Good luck with what ever you decide, once again this is a VERY personal decision and I hope you are able to get help with the amounts of hormones you use!!!  Best, Deirdre

I was just diagnosed with ILC this week. I had a complete hysterectomy at age 34 and gained 60 pounds over 8 years and was on the estrogen patch. I was overweight moody and never felt normal and sex was never the same. Last year at age 47 I discovered bioidenticals and it changed my life. I look better, feel better, sleep better and lost 40 pounds. I fell 20 again and my libedo is unbelievable. . Now I am told I have to stop taking them. I know this sounds crazy but I want to do a double mastectomy with reconstruction and get right back on my bioidenticals. I honestly dont want to live without them. Anyone else following Suzanne Somers and taking bios after bc. I also do not think I am willing to do any chemical or radiation treatments, Any advice is welcome.