BCP and Estroven

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pp729
pp729 Member Posts: 135
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hi ladies.  My mom is a Stage 3 BC survivor (2 years out) and I have fibrocystic and dense breasts and have had two suspicous masses biopsied, most recently in June 2012. Fortunately, both were benign.  I just had my final follow-up with the BS this month, and so now I can return to my regular OB-GYN.  During the session with the BS, she used a calculator to tell me that my BC risk is 19% -- which she described as slightly higher than normal due to my mom's BC and my fibrocystic breasts.   

We talked about medications that I am taking -- Tri-legest FE BCP which I have been on for many years (In fact, I have been on a BCP for probably 30 years or more now.)  Plus, I take a soy supplement called Estroven Max for night hot flashes (yes, I am stilll perimenopausal at age 51).  The BS was not thrilled that I am taking the Estroven -- mainly because she said it is a manufactured soy and there is no data that says that it reduces hot flashes.  For me, I feel like it does on the week when I am on the BCP placebo (week 4) and having a period and when the hot flashes are awful.  So, I do feel it works for me then. 

She suggested that I go off the Estroven Max and talk to the OB-GYN about a different BCP. But I am confused by this because the Tri-legest FE is a very low dose BCP and I am hesitant to change to a different one.  It's also inexpensive and I have never had any side effects.  At the same time, I do not want to be taking anything that would increase my BC risk.  Have any of you ladies read or heard anything about the affects of taking a soy supplement or a BCP on cancer risk?

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited February 2013

    PP729, I would agree with your doc and I would want to get rid of the pills and the soy supplement.

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  • Kathleen26
    Kathleen26 Member Posts: 210
    edited February 2013

    Both have been associated with BC in some studies.  Now obviously millions of women are taking BCP and don't end up getting breast cancer, but you've already had "suspicious masses" and know you have an increased risk so why would you risk it?  30 years on BCPs is a very long time.   Personally I wouldn't take either of these based on what I've heard about them, and I think it would be a very good idea to follow your doctor's recommendation.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited February 2013

    How are you sure you are still perimenopausal if you are still taking your bcp? Have you done any trial periods off of them or have you had fsh test?

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  • pp729
    pp729 Member Posts: 135
    edited February 2013

    Thanks ladies.  I will talk to my OB-GYN about this when I see her next month. 

    I am confused that the BS recommended me to go off the soy supplement, but remain on the BCP (perhaps changing the type to assist with the hot flashes).  Any idea why she would have not just said to go off both?

    MelissaDallas, yes I am still perimenopausal -- I have the FSH test every year and I am still having periods on a random basis (although my cycle has never been regular).  I also had endimetriosis and this particular BCP and some others that I was on before was indicated to treat that. It's a "low dose" BCP so at least I am getting mcg of estrogen instead of the usual mg dosage in regular pills.

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