Hormones

R_Swan

Hello! I am 34 years old. I am an ovarian cancer survivor of almost 12 years now (yay!). I was diagnosed at age 24 with stage 3c. I had a total hysterectomy and did chemo for a year. I am so happy to be cancer free and alive, but my health and mood struggle every day. I went in to menopause quickly and I have no hormones in my body so I am definitely feeling the harsh effects of that as I age. My issues include; Constant exhaustion & low energy, Foggy brained & forgetful, Osteopenia has begun, Anxiety, Depression (I have tried medication and nothing helps), and No sex drive. I know my quality of life is suffering greatly. I am debating on starting hormone therapy. Here is my question....HAS ANYONE OUT THERE MADE THE CHOICE TO START HORMONE THERAPY???

I know this is not an easy choice to make. I am so afraid the cancer will return if I start hormones!! I have heard mixed things about them. My oncologist thinks I should be safe to take them. But, I have had mixed reactions from Endocrinologists....one has told me "it should me ok", and another told me "no way". 

I am so torn on what to do!!!!   

Can anyone give me some advice please? It will be so greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

NoTimeForCancer

Swan, first off it is

Swan, first off it is WONDERFUL news to hear you are a 12 year survivor.  How great.  I think you are also a perfect example that there is no 'age' when ovarian cancer can strike.  I have heard some women be told, "you are too young" which is just ridiculous.

I can't offer you any advice re: hormones, maybe some of the other lovely ladies here can, but sometimes it is a little quiet here depending on when they check in.  

Tethys41

Hormones

Hi Swan,

I understand your concerns.  When I was in treatment, my medical oncologist put me on a hormone patch.  I started seeing a naturopath shortly thereafter and she immediately weaned me off of it.  When I saw my gyn/onc a few months later, he said he strongly recommended against hormones.  He had a paitent who had been in remission for 17 years.  Shortly after starting hormones, she recurred.  It just isn't worth the risk, in my opinion.  

I do understand your symptoms and how uncomfortable they are.  I experienced similar ones after treatment.  But I have been able to address them with alternative approaches, guided by my naturopath.  I found out I have Hashimoto's, autoimmune of the thyroid, which caused some of my fatigue.  This is something I have to address for the rest of my life, but my energy is improved by doing so.  I also tested for and identified my genetic mutations that affect my methylation and support that with certain supplements.  That made a huge difference in my energy level.  

I take vitamin D and vitamin K2 for bone health and do some light, impact exercise a few days a week. 

The body is a complex system that performs a huge number of processes daily.  If things aren't working right, there are things you can do to help.  But throwing hormones to mask these symptoms isn't necessarily the best approach.  If you can find a good naturopath or functional medicine doctor, they should be able to help you feel better. 

R_Swan

Tethys41 said:

Hormones

Hi Swan,

I understand your concerns.  When I was in treatment, my medical oncologist put me on a hormone patch.  I started seeing a naturopath shortly thereafter and she immediately weaned me off of it.  When I saw my gyn/onc a few months later, he said he strongly recommended against hormones.  He had a paitent who had been in remission for 17 years.  Shortly after starting hormones, she recurred.  It just isn't worth the risk, in my opinion.  

I do understand your symptoms and how uncomfortable they are.  I experienced similar ones after treatment.  But I have been able to address them with alternative approaches, guided by my naturopath.  I found out I have Hashimoto's, autoimmune of the thyroid, which caused some of my fatigue.  This is something I have to address for the rest of my life, but my energy is improved by doing so.  I also tested for and identified my genetic mutations that affect my methylation and support that with certain supplements.  That made a huge difference in my energy level.  

I take vitamin D and vitamin K2 for bone health and do some light, impact exercise a few days a week. 

The body is a complex system that performs a huge number of processes daily.  If things aren't working right, there are things you can do to help.  But throwing hormones to mask these symptoms isn't necessarily the best approach.  If you can find a good naturopath or functional medicine doctor, they should be able to help you feel better. 

Thanks for the replies ladies

Thanks for the replies ladies! I appreciate it! I wish I had a few more opinions on here though.The woman who had her cancer return, do you know if she had a complete hysterectomy or a partial? I think that makes some difference. I met a lady a few days ago who had a complete hysterectomy and has been on hormones for 7 years with no recurrence.

Tethys41

R_Swan said:

Thanks for the replies ladies

Thanks for the replies ladies! I appreciate it! I wish I had a few more opinions on here though.The woman who had her cancer return, do you know if she had a complete hysterectomy or a partial? I think that makes some difference. I met a lady a few days ago who had a complete hysterectomy and has been on hormones for 7 years with no recurrence.

Hysterectomy

I can't say for sure, R_Swan, but I would guess that hers was a complete hysterectomy.