Can't take Hormone Replacement Therapy

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lmendoza21234
lmendoza21234 Member Posts: 3
edited August 2019 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hello, I have been going thru the menopause symptoms for almost 3 years now. on and off. I had breast cancer back in 1999. and just last year, I found out I have the BRCA1 gene. I'm struggling with the symptons on an off. Any advice from anyone going thru the same. Besides the hot flashes, depression, feeling fat and ugly, I am moody, specially to hubby. Any upset with him, builds up and can't get over for a couple of days. help.. can't take HRT :(


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  • DorothyB
    DorothyB Member Posts: 305
    edited August 2019

    Which drugs have you tried? What was your diagnosis back in 1999? I wonder if you could do something like take half dose of tamoxifen (10 mg / day)?

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  • lmendoza21234
    lmendoza21234 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2019

    I was diagnosed with Stage 2B of estrogen receptive breast cancer. lumpectomy. i had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation back then. Followed by 5 years of Tamoxifen. I went thru chemical induced menopause back then because of tamoxifen. 10 mg a day. for 5 years

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited August 2019

    Are you talking about hormone replacement therapy? Or hormone suppression like tamoxifen or aromatese inhibitors, treatment for preventing hormone positive cancer?

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited August 2019

    I think she is talking about menopause symptoms and how she can't take hormone replacement to help the symptoms. That's how I read it. Maybe she's looking for coping tips for menopause?

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited August 2019

    I think so, too. I took generic paxil and it seemed to help with hot flashes when I was taking anastrozole and exemestane.

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  • lmendoza21234
    lmendoza21234 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2019

    Yes, I cannot take Hormone Replacement because my cancer 20 years ago was estrogen receptive and to make matters worse found out last year that I have the BRCA1 Gene (which is the cancer gene)- I'm looking for other ways besides medicine to deal with it. Holistic or natural. Please hope that maybe I can reach someone that has similar situation as mine.Thank you so much!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2019

    Indeed, lmendoza21234, if you've been diagnosed with breast cancer or have tested positive for an abnormal breast cancer gene (BRCA1 or BRCA2) and so are at high risk, you shouldn't use HRT to treat the symptoms of menopause. The hormones in HRT can cause hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers to develop and grow.

    However, you may find some helpful tips beginning on this page: Treating Menopausal Symptoms, and here: Treatments for depression and mood changes.

    We're thinking of you!

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