Menopause and DCIS ?

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Betty14
Betty14 Member Posts: 89
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

SmileI had bloodworks done and my dr has confirmed that I am menopausal. She said this is good news for me because my bc fed on the estrogen in my body. I understand that bit. It's a touch daunting when you find out you are finally in menopause after being told for so long that all your strange symptoms are due to being perimenopausal. To be honest, I feel sad that I am supposed to be happy about reaching menopause...I don't wanna celebrate!!!!!<stomps feet and pouts> lol.. I'm feeling very emotinal lately and I know this is due to all the changes taking place in my body.

Menopause is a natural part of our life cycle as women and I intend to embrace this new phase in my life when I'm good and ready but I  don't want to throw a party just yet lol. I also dont want to be an ungrateful. whining, bioche...though I am sounding like one lately lol 

( I was diagnosed a year and a half ago with DCIS that is ER+ and I had a MX but I decided to not take Tamoxifen. Just added that for anyone that doesn't know my background.)

Now that I am menopausal, am I at risk of other types of bc...like ones that are not estrogen positive?   My dr was not able to answer this question...I'm sure my onco could but I'm not seeing her anytime soon. I'm wondering if anyone here has had a similar question. I'm interested in finding out how my bc risks change with my new menopausal status.

Thank you all in advance.

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

    Betty, your body still produces some estrogen after menopause, more if you are heavy, so you can still develop estrogen positive cancer. If it didn't postmenopausal women wouldn't be taking Aromatase inhibitors.



    Menopause. Menopause is considered to have occurred when a woman has gone a full 12 months without a period. At the point at which menopause occurs, the following hormonal changes occur:



    Ovarian secretion of estrogen and progesterone ends.

    Once the ovaries have stopped producing estrogens, however, they still continue to produce small amounts of the male hormone testosterone, which can be converted to estrogen (estradiol) in body fat.

    In addition, the adrenal gland continues to produce androstenedione (a male hormone), which is converted to estrone and estradiol in the body fat.

    The total estrogen produced after menopause, however, is far less than that produced during a woman's reproductive years.

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  • Betty14
    Betty14 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2013

    Thanks Melissa,

                           I have to realise I'm not postmenopause...just menopausal I guess. What you said makes a lot of sense. I think I was jumping the gun a bit ....my body is still producing estrogen.                       

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

    You're welcome. This is the reason that they tell you one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk is to maintain a normal body weight. The more fat you have, the more estrogen you have. I'm working really hard right now to lose a large amount of weight.

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  • Betty14
    Betty14 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2013

    Smile Melissa,

                      yes I have done a bit of research on estrogen lately and I found out that we store estrogen in our belly fat. I'm targetting that area atm since I have put on a bit in my middle due to changing hormones. I've always exercised regularly but lately I've felt the need to do more because I'm feeling bloated. The last couple of years I have struggled with my weight.

     I have a tendency to reach for sweets when I'm feeling a bit down and I'm realising that I can't do that anymore...my metabolism has slowed down. I'm quitting chocolate atm....wish me luck lol

    I wish you all the best with your weight loss....sounds like you are working hard and are motivated.

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

    You too Betty.



    I always laugh - what does being hungry have to do with eating?

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  • Betty14
    Betty14 Member Posts: 89
    edited May 2013

    SealedLaughing

          LOL Melissa....I never though of it that way ....haha !!!!!!!

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