Hormone positive with ovary removal

ArmyNurse_1969
ArmyNurse_1969 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I had hormone positive, Her2 negative breast cancer. on June 4,2020 I had a lumpectomy, 5 lymph nodes removed( 1 had cancer) and removal of both ovaries ( bilateral hystersalpingoopharectomy).  I'm currently finishing up my radiation therapy sessions, I have 2 left. My oncotype DX was 1, no chemo. My question to the forum is if I don't have my ovaries, hence no estrogen, why would I still be put on a medication like tamoxifen ? I don't see my oncologist until 3 weeks from now. Just curious if anyone else has had this type question? Thank you. 

Comments

  • catlady2
    catlady2 Member Posts: 54 Member
    edited September 2021 #2
    tamoxifen + hormones

    I read that extra body fat increases levels of estrogen and other hormones. Higher hormone levels can increase breast cancer risk. A study supports the link between excess weight and higher hormone levels. But I would definitely ask your medical team for more information on it.

  • Phoebesnow
    Phoebesnow Member Posts: 600 Member
    #3
    catlady2 said:

    tamoxifen + hormones

    I read that extra body fat increases levels of estrogen and other hormones. Higher hormone levels can increase breast cancer risk. A study supports the link between excess weight and higher hormone levels. But I would definitely ask your medical team for more information on it.

    Hormones

    Yes definitely look it up.  As we age we produce a different type of estrogen (maybe called estradiol] that is produced in our fat that has an effect on breast cancer growth.  i don’t know if being overweight magnifies this effect.

  • J_clr5
    J_clr5 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2021 #4
    I was diagnosed with breast

    I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy 5 months ago. Then went through chemo. Then had a full hysterectomy 2 weeks ago due to previous issues such as abnormal paps. I am now taking an aromatase inhibitor, Arimidex, to suppress any estrogen that the rest of the body produces. Liver, hear, skin, brain, adrenal glands, fat tissue, etc all produce estrogen. Hey woman's main source of estrogen are the ovaries, but the other organs continue produces estrogen after the ovaries are removed.

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