Hormone replacement therapy

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LilianWestlin
LilianWestlin Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results

In 1993 my gynecologist found a lump on one of my ovaries. During surgery (or rather after histological examination) it was established that it was a benign tumor. Nevertheless, the surgeon performed a full ectomy of ovaries as well as the uterine body. Since then I have received HRT, estradiol only, first as subcutaneos implants, but from 1996 orally, 2mg/day. I have frequently tried to find information about HRT after ovary-ectomy, but have found none. I imagine that with both ovaries removed, treatment with oestradiol would not be quite comparable to treatment on intact women or am I wrong? What I want to know really, are the risks for breast cancer similar for me as for intact women? I will be 63, Nov this year. I would like to receive a scientific response; I was up to 1996 active in fertility research on mammals since 20 years and have published quite a few papers. But these days I have not kept up, so I would really appreciate some input. I can hardly be the only woman receiving HRT and not having any ovaries left?

Yours sincerely

Dr.Lilian M. Westlin 

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  • LilianWestlin
    LilianWestlin Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2011

    Well Hallo again,

    As I expected, no reply! Hormone replacement therapy in ovary-ectomized women is apparently of no interest to anyone - better then to wait for the cancer. Then, perhaps, someone has something to say... I am leaving the forum as well as the website until that happens!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited June 2011

    Lillian - I had a TAH/BSO in 2001 and received estradiol (first patch, then pill) only from that time until diagnosis last September.  During the time I received it I was watched very carefully, and warned repeatedly about the increased risk of breast cancer.  I took it to manage very bad hot flashes and also to try to protect my bones and heart.  I did develop ostopenia and high cholesterol while on it.  I do exercise and maintain a healthy weight.  There are many conflicting viewpoints about risk vs benefit, with no clear cut answers. I know there is a link contained in the Feb girls chemo thread about estrogen and risk/benefit.  I am sorry about the lack of response to your question.

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  • hymil
    hymil Member Posts: 826
    edited June 2011

    I'm interested Lilian although I don't have any scientific information for you. I had an acute and unexpected psychotic episode very soon after my baby was born and was warned that menopause could bring a relapse so I should be prepared to go on HRT but wary of untoward effects, well BC put a prevention on that as my tumour was strongly ER+ and  Im still pre-menopausal, so like you I am very interested to see what comes in the new research and hoping for my daughter's sake that work has been going on in the meantime and she will have better options. We also have strong history of osteoporosis in the family so you know sometimes you are looking for what's the best balance overall?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2011

    Lilian,

    Try this article.

    http://journals.lww.com/journalppo/Fulltext/2009/04000/Hormone_Replacement_Therapy__Real_Concerns_and.1.aspx

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  • LilianWestlin
    LilianWestlin Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2012

    Dear lucy88,

    I am so sorry for replying only now! I honestly did not believe I would receive any response and so put this whole thing aside. Today, cleaning out the excruciatingly long list of websites, I was just about to erase it when I thought - perhaps I should just check it once more. And to my astonishemt, there were 3 replies! All posted on the very day of my own disappointed input.

    I have read every word of the article you enclosed the link to. In my mind, the best scientific review I've ever read! And I have read some; I worked as a fertility researcher for 20 years (mammal species, not humans). This is actually an article of such magnitude and potency that I will spread it to every single woman I know. I sincerely hope that other readers of this forum has read it. If not, it should be advertized somehow! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH LUCY88! You have indeed contributed to many good nights' sleep from now.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2012

    Dear Lilian,

    I agree with you that it's one of the best articles I've read. The documentation about HRT false alarms is outstanding. It's a comprehensive and understandable piece of research. I wish it were on the front page of every newspaper. It might change how we think about breast and other hormonal cancers.

    I'm so glad you'll be sleeping better!

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