Hi There, I am really struggling with Menopause. I am not on any medication i.e Tamoxifen or AI at the moment as the Tamoxifen was really making me bad.
I have brought some Menopause Support Supplements called MenoFriend by Dr. Vegan.
Botanicals, minerals & phytoestrogens. Am I safe to take these as my cancer was ERpositive and PR positive. I had my first clear mammogram in October.
Some advise would be very helpful
Thank you Fizzler
I’m going to suggest two good follows on instagram for the latest in breast cancer research. Dr Elenora Teplinsky is superb. Dr. Corrine Menn posts daily about menopause and hormone supression.
One of them did mention phytooestrogens in the comments a while back but of course i cant find it now. Personally i would arm myself with available research and then have a conversation with oncology. I wouldn’t take them without doing this first. Its a rough road. On it myself. Knowledge is power and wishing you the best.
Hi fizzler
Thank you for posting.
Many women struggle with menopausal symptoms following treatment for breast cancer and the symptoms can very much affect your quality of life. Our booklet about Menopausal symptoms and breast cancer might be of interest. You may also be interested in our Facebook Live: Menopause & breast cancer.
Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, it’s not usually recommended for women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer. This is because there’s uncertainty about whether HRT increases the risk of breast cancer coming back.
There has been a lot of research into the use of soy and other phytoestrogens to relieve hot flushes. Although a diet containing naturally occurring phytoestrogens is safe for people who have had breast cancer, taking supplements is currently not recommended because the evidence on their effectiveness and safety is limited and conflicting.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.
There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. Herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.
You can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual herbs and vitamins. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications.
As @jaffaboob mentions do speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements including MenoFriend.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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