Hi really struggling with the menopause- was on HRT for 10 years prior to being diagnosed with grade 1 mixed ductal/lobular breast cancer all removed by lumpectomy clear margins no node involvement- er/pr positive 8/8 - decided against endocrine therapy but still really struggling to the point I tempted to go back on HRT - any alternatives- I’ve tried Clonidine and various alternative therapies - any suggestions? Thank you
Sorry to hear you are struggling and o know the nurses will get back to you soon.
I was very similar to you with HRT before BC, going cold turkey and now with the Letrozole it’s all back. Having a cancer diagnosis gives you priority for a menopause clinic referral. For me it was 9 months on the NHS so after 3 months waiting and over a year of symptoms I paid privately. Contact your Breast care nurse for a referral.
There are a lot of options to help.
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Hi, I’m sorry to hear you are struggling and I completely understand - I stopped my HRT last Thursday when i got my er/pr + diagnosis. Last night I was back to absolutely no sleep and full on hot flushes…the HRT had been a life changer for me. I’m going to be researching too so if I find anything (that sounds like it works !) I’ll share it. At the moment I’m just taking sage but I’m so nervous about what I can or can’t take.
Sendng postiive thoughts over to you x
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Dr Liz O’Riordan suggested using this website to check for herbs and your medication interactions
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Thank you so much - good luck to you x💕
Thank you so much
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Hello janealexander1
Thanks for posting.
It sounds a difficult time as you try and manage menopausal symptom without HRT.
Our information in the link above and our more detailed booklet explains the various ways menopausal symptoms may be managed.
We know that these can really impact on quality of life so it’s understandable you are considering going back on HRT. As HRT is not recommended after a breast cancer diagnosis your GP may be reluctant to prescribe it. Do speak to your treatment team and GP about the symptoms you are having and how they are best managed. In some situations, they can refer you to a specialist menopause clinic although as @naughty_boob explains there can often be a long wait for an appointment.
@glimmers is taking sage but it might help you both to know that sage can contain phytoestrogens and supplements containing phytoestrogens are not recommended if you have a breast cancer diagnosis.
Do speak to your treatment team before starting any supplements. You may also be interested to know about the British Menopause Society.
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 more 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.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
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Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Jane
Breast Care Nurse
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