Life without estrogen

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MikaMika
MikaMika Member Posts: 342
edited August 2020 in Young With Breast Cancer

Hello,

I'm 38 y.o. and soon I will start AI+lupron shots.

Please, share your experience, how are you doing in your 20s and 30s on AI. What helps your skin, hair, musculs, bones, mood, memory and cognitive functions?

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  • aln82
    aln82 Member Posts: 15
    edited January 2020

    Following- I am 37 y.o. and starting AI + lupron soon too!~

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  • Kat104
    Kat104 Member Posts: 30
    edited January 2020

    Sorry I can't share experience yet, but maybe others will do so soon. Just wanted to join you guys, because I'm 39 and will start the shots as soon as insurance approves. Was on tamoxifen for 2.5 years with no side effects, but unfortunately I had a small local recurrence, so now I'm switching. AI will be added in 4 months. Obviously I'm thankful for options, but I'm nervous about effects too...

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  • Prahan
    Prahan Member Posts: 75
    edited January 2020

    I am 37 and on Tamoxifen and lupron. Lupron shots once in 3 months. Completed 2 shots.

    Regarding low estrogen , i experience GERD and sore throat. I too get jaw pain. Don't know it is side effect of lupron.

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  • Longtails
    Longtails Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2020

    I'm 38 and recently started on OS (Zoladex) + AI. Interested in hearing what effects the under 40 thrivers are experiencing. Trying to stay ahead of the adverse effects by exercising daily, taking vitamins, drinking enough water and keeping my skin moisturized.

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited July 2020

    I started a little later than you all (41) but it’s doable. You may have sore knee joints, lack of sex drive and some moments of rage, so warn your spouses, lol. You’ll feel like an old lady at first but things generally level out. I like Haylo Gyn moisturizer for sex and Aveeno with sunscreen for my face, other than that, go easy on yourselves and give it time.

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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited July 2020

    Oh and this! Possibly from reduced estrogen, definitely a chemo side effect.

    image

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  • Longtails
    Longtails Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2020

    illimae, thanks for the advice and haha yes definitely have experienced that chemo brain too often...hope it doesn't get worse on hormonal therapy!

    Has anyone been experiencing joint stiffness? All of a sudden during radiation, before starting hormonal therapy, my joints started aching a lot. Doing slow, deliberate body weight exercises daily has really helped to relieve the discomfort.


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  • dizzywombat
    dizzywombat Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2020

    Joining as well and appreciate those sharing their experiences! I'm 38 and started Tamoxifen + Lupron a couple weeks ago. Waiting for the side effects to kick in (story of our lives). Would really love to not lose my hair again.


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  • illimae
    illimae Member Posts: 5,710
    edited July 2020

    Longtail, I only had joint issues with my knees but part of that may have been overdoing it at the gym.

    PSA: lack of estrogen moments...

    image

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  • Longtails
    Longtails Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2020

    Oh yes dizzywombat, with you on the hair. Are you taking or planning on taking any supplements for that?

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  • dizzywombat
    dizzywombat Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2020

    Longtail - I’ve just been taking biotin since finishing chemo and keeping my fingers crossed.

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  • Longtails
    Longtails Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2020

    dizzywombat, fingers crossed for you. How has your hair growth been since completing chemo?

    Sounds vain but hope to keep the wrinkles at bay for as long as possible. After all this treatment, the chemo, double mastectomy/tissue expanders, lymph node removal, 6 weeks of radiation…hope this OS/AI and loss of estrogen won't age me too quickly.

    I've started using niacinamide serum nightly and really like it. Do any of you have skincare favorites?

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  • dizzywombat
    dizzywombat Member Posts: 16
    edited July 2020

    It’s been pretty slow, how about you? I am a little more than 3 months PFC and don’t quite have an inch of hair.

    I’m reintroducing retinol (Shani Darden) to my routine, but otherwise just use moisturizer and SPF. One product I am obsessed with is Shiseido Wrinkleresist24 Pure Retinol eye masks. Highly recommend!

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  • Longtails
    Longtails Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2020

    Same, it's taking its sweet time to grow. About an inch long and that's 6 months pfc. It's fuller than expected so I'll take what I can get lol.

    Appreciate your eye mask suggestion! It's hard to find eye products that are worth it.

    I wish I didn't have to say this given our circumstances, but it's nice to meet someone with a similar diagnosis at the same age!

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  • MikaMika
    MikaMika Member Posts: 342
    edited August 2020

    Longtail50,

    I really like Erno Laszlo products, especially their Firmarine Lift Essence Lotion. This lotion really saved my skin, when it became dry.

    I also like Dermalogica sunscreen: dynamic skin recovery spf50.

    As for now, I'm still looking for response from young women, who took AIs over the course of 10 years.



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