Question about Hormonal Treatment

Veeder14 · January 2018

I don't know much about this but was wondering if someone is recommended for hormonal treatment but has their ovaries removed, then do they still need to take medication?

carmstr835 · January 2018

Yes, Ovaries are not the only place that your body makes estrogen. It is also made in fat cells. If their ovaries are removed or if you are in menopause, they usually suggest arimidex instead of tamoxifen. Both drugs supposedly starve cancer cells of estrogen, each drug does it a bit differently. One at the cell receptor level, the other at the body's ability to make estrogen.

Lula73 · January 2018

hi Veeder14- yes you still take an anti-hormonal even if your ovaries are removed. Typically you’re prescribed an aromatase inhibitor or AI. AIs stop the production of estrogen from your adrenal glands and fat conversion. Ovaries account for roughly 80% of the estrogen production. The adrenals and fat conversion account for roughly 20%. It’s important to get your estrogen levels as close to 0 as possible since you’re ER+. This means your breast cancer cells are fueled by estrogen. Taking the anti-hormonals basically starves any remaining cells that may be in your body that can’t be picked up with imaging/by the naked eye.

Veeder14 · January 2018

Thanks for answering so quickly! I understand now.

Veeder14 · January 2018

I guess it takes years of treatment to make sure that you don't have any hormones in your system. How do you feel without any estrogen in your system? I'm 10 years menopausal however I've never had the symptoms people complain about such as hot flashes, etc., so must have significant estrogen in my system. I'll have to talk with my gyn doctor at my next appointment.

Bright55 · January 2018

Hi veeder14

Some of us gals are lucky to not have hot flushes in extreme.

Your body still makes estrogen after menopause...mainly in fat cells

AI therapy inhibits the action of estrogen it does not remove it from your body

Recommend .... not to be overweight

Side effects for some on AI can be extreme hot flushes..but this often settles down..mine only occurs in hot humid weather

All best B

Veeder14 · January 2018

Hi Bright55,

Thanks for writing in. I'm thin so I guess I don't have that many fat cells. Glad the hot flushes you had settled down. Never had one. I'll find out about this stuff at my post op follow up appointment.

Bright55 · January 2018

hi again

Important to have balanced diet,regular blood tests will I ndicate vyour vitamin mineral b al ance

I can rec following

Vitamin d and calcium to get good bone strength

Hair can thin so add biotin

Leg cramps can occur so add magnesium

Watch et e t es as s oo ne have dry eye and v I sion prob

Also cholesterol and blood pressure can elevate so blood test wil check this

Question about Hormonal Treatment

Comments

Categories