Estrogen Based Breast Cancer

AuntieNet
AuntieNet Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello.....My breast cancer was estrogen based, and therefore I cannot take any type of
estrogen. I'm 42, and have been having hot flashes since I was 30. Does anyone know of
anything I can do to relieve these horrible hot flashes, since I cannot take/use anything
estrogen based?

Thank you...:)

Comments

  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
    i would ask your oncologist, he would know best. My breast ca was estrogen based as well, Im 41,been dealing with since 36 I personally just grin and bear it. Mine don't happen that often anymore. Again oncologist would know. I'll check around for you and let you know what other info I find.
  • inkblot
    inkblot Member Posts: 698 Member
    #3
    Hi AuntieNet:

    There are a few remedies you may want to discuss with your doctor's...

    Remifemin. Available over the counter. Works for some. Contains no phytoestrogens. (Plant estrogens, which are a no-no, because they have a weak estrogenic effect in the body. Carefully read the labels on anything you may be considering to see if the product contains "phytoestrogens") You can find a lot of info on this product's website: www.remifemin.com

    Evening Primrose Oil. Also, works well for some.

    Some doctor's prescribe Paxil, Effexor, etc..
    Antidepressants which have shown to be helpful for many women with hot flashes. With all these, you must generally take them for about 12 weeks to get the desired effect and/or know whether it's going to be helpful to you. Just takes that amount of time to reach effective levels in the body.

    Some women also take Vitamin E or Black Cohosh. The Black Cohosh has become controversial for breast cancer patients though and I wouldn't recommend trying it without a detailed discussion with your doctor and/or a nutritionist.

    Good Luck...hoping you'll find something which works for you.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink
  • sevey
    sevey Member Posts: 184
    #4
    Hello,
    I too cannot take estrogen, so I asked my Dr what I could do about the hot flashes,or going through the change of a woman's life. He suggested that I go to GNC and ask the counter person or look it up on their computer. They have them in there for customers. Anyway Dr said on one condition. That before I buy any of this stuff to give him the vitamen strenth and name. I did as he said and have'nt had a hot flash since. It may not be for everybody, but it worked for me. One has to be very carefull with vitamens !!! I hope you are doing well otherwise.
    God Bless
    Cathy
  • AuntieNet
    AuntieNet Member Posts: 4
    #5
    sassysally said:

    i would ask your oncologist, he would know best. My breast ca was estrogen based as well, Im 41,been dealing with since 36 I personally just grin and bear it. Mine don't happen that often anymore. Again oncologist would know. I'll check around for you and let you know what other info I find.

    Thank you for your response...I really appreciate any ideas for relief!...:)
  • AuntieNet
    AuntieNet Member Posts: 4
    #6
    sevey said:

    Hello,
    I too cannot take estrogen, so I asked my Dr what I could do about the hot flashes,or going through the change of a woman's life. He suggested that I go to GNC and ask the counter person or look it up on their computer. They have them in there for customers. Anyway Dr said on one condition. That before I buy any of this stuff to give him the vitamen strenth and name. I did as he said and have'nt had a hot flash since. It may not be for everybody, but it worked for me. One has to be very carefull with vitamens !!! I hope you are doing well otherwise.
    God Bless
    Cathy

    Thank you Cathy...:) I have an amazing support system in my family, especially my husband! I just passed my 3 yr. lumpectomy anniv. on Mar 6th. I will look into your suggestion...:)
  • AuntieNet
    AuntieNet Member Posts: 4
    #7
    inkblot said:

    Hi AuntieNet:

    There are a few remedies you may want to discuss with your doctor's...

    Remifemin. Available over the counter. Works for some. Contains no phytoestrogens. (Plant estrogens, which are a no-no, because they have a weak estrogenic effect in the body. Carefully read the labels on anything you may be considering to see if the product contains "phytoestrogens") You can find a lot of info on this product's website: www.remifemin.com

    Evening Primrose Oil. Also, works well for some.

    Some doctor's prescribe Paxil, Effexor, etc..
    Antidepressants which have shown to be helpful for many women with hot flashes. With all these, you must generally take them for about 12 weeks to get the desired effect and/or know whether it's going to be helpful to you. Just takes that amount of time to reach effective levels in the body.

    Some women also take Vitamin E or Black Cohosh. The Black Cohosh has become controversial for breast cancer patients though and I wouldn't recommend trying it without a detailed discussion with your doctor and/or a nutritionist.

    Good Luck...hoping you'll find something which works for you.

    Love, light and laughter,
    Ink

    Hi Ink...Thank you for so many remedies! I'm just starting to learn about phytoestrogens. I'm currently taking more Vitamin E. I've tried Primrose Oil, but didn't take it long enough to give it a chance. I think it's a heredity thing, because I'm following my mom's hormonal pattern. She still has hot flashes, cramps etc., and she's 72!!!! What a pair she & I are!!! LOLOL... :):):)
  • sevey
    sevey Member Posts: 184
    #8
    Auntie Net,
    I am experiencing a difficulty opening up email on this site. I want you to know that I emailed Tony about it and I should be able to retrieve it by Monday. Don't think I am ignoring you at all.
    God Bless
    Cathy
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #9
    I'm taking celexa (anti-dep) and 1000 mg of vitamin E daily. Diane
  • fregede
    fregede Member Posts: 3
    #10
    My surgeon suggested Effexor for hot flashes but after several months, I told him it didn;t work. He then suggested I see my oncologist and start Arimidex in place of Tamoxifen, which I have been taking since December and again, no help. The only change I have seen is that the hot flashes are more often but not as intense. I want them to stop altogether! Is that too much to ask? I heard Remifemin helped some acquaintances of mine, but I was skeptical because I thought it would not be good for breast cancer survivors but now I might try it. Thanks. Kay

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