estrogen information please

wndringmnd
wndringmnd Member Posts: 44
in Breast Cancer #1
back 15 years ago I had a hysterectomy at age 28 and put on estrogen. I have been on it ever since. Now with the breast cancer I can no longer get a script from my doctors. Do any of you have any advice for going through the oncoming hot flashes? I hate the fact that the decision isn't mine to make. I should be able to decide if I want to take the risk or not. Your advice would be helpful.
Thanks...Marilyn

Comments

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #2
    Hope this helps!
    There are many alternatives. For example, many antidepressants are effective in managing menopausal symptoms. Make sure that you ok any med with your oncologist first because some meds are not ok for all of us. Example: effexor is ok if you are on tamoxifen but paxil may cause the tamoxifen to be less effective.

    Here is a good article from the AAFP:

    Nonhormonal Therapies for Hot Flashes in Menopause
  • cabbott
    cabbott Member Posts: 1,039 Member
    #3
    Surviving Hot Flashes
    Have a great sense of humor! Hot flashes keep you from having cold feet on the way to the bathroom in the winter.

    Wear layers you can get out of quickly. Polatec is comfortable when long sleeve weather is on.

    Sleep in as little as possible under a ceiling fan.

    Sip cold water with ice in it all day long.

    Put a wet washcloth in a small bucket near the bed or sofa and sponge down during emergencies.

    Get one of those bandanas with a terry cloth section you can wet down and wear around your neck on hikes and beach trips. A wet towel on your head or shoulders also works.

    A fan that sprays water is heavenly.

    Remember that most folks get through flashes in just two years or less. This won't be forever!
  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #4
    Estrogen
    Concerning not getting further scripts for estrogen. As a some bc is estrogen positive (like mine) you must block the estrogen with Tamoxifen etc. Including not eating certain foods. Get the impression if cancer has already struck you must go down this route if your ovaries are still functioning, ie not through the menopause.

    Wonderful things hot flashes, suffering badly but for the above reasons just gritting my teeth, natural fabrics help, layers as previously mentioned. Rarely can wear anything woolly or thick. Nights are not good at all. I never enjoy clean cool sheets any more..... Hoping this lasts another 18 month when I come off Tamoxifen.
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #5
    CypressCynthia said:

    Hope this helps!
    There are many alternatives. For example, many antidepressants are effective in managing menopausal symptoms. Make sure that you ok any med with your oncologist first because some meds are not ok for all of us. Example: effexor is ok if you are on tamoxifen but paxil may cause the tamoxifen to be less effective.

    Here is a good article from the AAFP:

    Nonhormonal Therapies for Hot Flashes in Menopause

    Looks like Cynthia has given
    Looks like Cynthia has given some great advice and links. The only med I know about is Effexor and it seems to help many.


    Good luck!
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #6
    Hot Flashes
    Just had the hot flash conversation with my RO this week. He said the exact thing that Cynthia did about antidepressants. He told me to have a discussion with my MO if they were unbearable (I didn't bring them up he did). Define unbearable dear MR doctor, no matter how you slice it, they're HOT, and sweaty.

    Jennifer
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #7
    CypressCynthia said:

    Hope this helps!
    There are many alternatives. For example, many antidepressants are effective in managing menopausal symptoms. Make sure that you ok any med with your oncologist first because some meds are not ok for all of us. Example: effexor is ok if you are on tamoxifen but paxil may cause the tamoxifen to be less effective.

    Here is a good article from the AAFP:

    Nonhormonal Therapies for Hot Flashes in Menopause

    Thanks for the link Cynthia!

    Thanks for the link Cynthia!
  • Rague
    Rague Member Posts: 3,653 Member
    #8
    RozHopkins said:

    Estrogen
    Concerning not getting further scripts for estrogen. As a some bc is estrogen positive (like mine) you must block the estrogen with Tamoxifen etc. Including not eating certain foods. Get the impression if cancer has already struck you must go down this route if your ovaries are still functioning, ie not through the menopause.

    Wonderful things hot flashes, suffering badly but for the above reasons just gritting my teeth, natural fabrics help, layers as previously mentioned. Rarely can wear anything woolly or thick. Nights are not good at all. I never enjoy clean cool sheets any more..... Hoping this lasts another 18 month when I come off Tamoxifen.

    It doesn't matter -
    when you're ER+, rather or not you have gone through menopause, you need be on an estrogen blocker. Your body continues to produce estrogen via some of the glands, plus it is consumed in many foods. (Even men have some estrogen - so I'm told.) I was 18 yrs post menopause when my ER+ IBC showed up. Some of the drugs used are for pre-menopausal, some for post and I think (but not sure) some are for either.
    I'm on Femara which is one for post menopausal. Have been for 16 months and have not had any issues - no hot flashes at all but then I didn't have any when I went through natural menopause at 44. Did not do HRT.

    Susan

Discussion Boards