Hi all, I am new to this site.
I need some advice on HRT after breast cancer.
I was diagnosed with IDC ER&PR+ 2 years ago, I had a mastectomy and axillary Lymph node clearance.
I also now have Lymphodema and cording after my second surgery.
I was on HRT before my diagnosis because i was suffering with menopause symptoms and was told to come off it.
I am now suffering more than before with the menopause and am seriously considering go back on it.
Has anyone else in the same position as me gone back on HRT?.
Thanks.
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You can find a few people on-line. They have decided the rewards of HRT outweigh the risks and no one but them can calculate that equation. But we can make sure you know the risks and that they are high. First of all, no reputable doctor will prescribe you HRT after a hormone positive breast cancer diagnosis. The reason is that the receptors in your cancer are positive for estrogen and progesterone so those two hormones feed the tumor. Although youāve gone through treatment and have obtained NED status no one can guarantee that you are cured. You could have some tumor cells hibernating in far off places in your body waiting for something to stir them up. And what can stir them up and make them active again is estrogen or progesterone. So taking HRT runs a very real risk of feeding these stray cancer cells and the next thing you know youāve hit a stage 4 diagnosis. And the treatment for that is life long and extremely difficult because stage 4 breast cancer is not curable. So if you can find someone to provide HRT, have at it since itās your body of course. But itās not something that will ever be recommended after a breast cancer diagnosis.
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Hi @pdl25
I was in the same boat as you. I was on HRT for 18 years so had to stop when I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer two years ago. I had lumpectomies and a further surgery to remove margins on my left side. Following radiotherapy I am two years along on letrozole and boy what a journey Iām having
Even with all the joint pain and numerous other āmenopausalā issues exacerbated by the AI I wouldnāt go back on HRT.
I do have Vagifem pessaries as the VA was dreadful and I had to fight for these. Iām hoping things will calm down once I stop these tablets
The worry of reoccurrence is real and whilst I understand your thoughts, personally I would stay away from anything which could possibly āreawakenā the cancer cellsā¦
Best wishes
Lynn
Hi,
Sorry to hear you are suffering with menopause symptoms.
I think you need to get some professional medical advice. Your GP may be helpful, and/or your breast care nurse / oncologist (the more advice the better!)
Iām not medically qualified, but my feeling is that they are very unlikely to recommend HRT if your cancer was hormone positive. However, they may well be able to give you some advice re. tackling your symptoms.
Good luck.
Lisa x
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Ask to be referred to endocrinologist. I had grade 2 IDC oestrogen positive, had to stop hrt immediately and menopause symptoms were dreadful, couldnāt sleep etc. after repeated pleading, desperate calls to breast nurse team, one of the nurses finally suggested a referral to endocrinologist aka (āhormone manā!) and he prescribed Gabapentin, which Iāve been on ever since and has been a lifesaver. Heās been one of the most useful consultants Iāve seen in this whole process.
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If you dont mind me asking were you just told to come off hrt or advise to take the hormone tablets too. Thanks. @scarefu 
I was told to stop taking my hrt immediately upon diagnosis, which I did. I then suffered horribly with menopause symptoms for about the next 6 weeks, and then was referred to the endocrinologist who prescribed the Gabapentin
Ok thanks for your reply . Glad its helping you.
Hi, I had the same thing happen to me. Once diagnosed I had to come off HRT immediately which gave me awful menopause systems. Six months along I still get hot flashes but I can sleep now thank goodness. I am glad you are now doing well. Cheers.