Well done for tackling this one, Ros. It’s really the elephant in the room as far as oncologists and breast surgeons are concerned. If I could take HRT again (I’m ER+ PR +) I’d be on it like a rat up a drainpipe. Asking the medics what they’d do if they were you is a powerful question, and one we should all employ. I used it when talking about Tamoxifen with my oncologist. One day I’ll tell you what she said. 😘
This is such an important and timely issue within the breast cancer community. Thank you for speaking so openly about your experience, Ros. I was diagnosed at 29 and have been in early menopause ever since. I've been on hormone suppression and have already developed osteopenia. I've actually just hit my five-year mark and been allowed to stop the medication, so I'm dearly hoping I'll come out of menopause, as I'd love to start a family. I do worry about my health in later life, though, especially my bones. Plus, now I know how awful menopause symptoms can be to manage! I don't relish the thought of going through it all again one day. Although, on the flip side, if I live long enough to experience menopause once more, I'll be very happy :)
So sorry to hear that Emma, this is a LOT at any age, but 29 is very young to be put through it. I think all we can do is live as well as we can, and enjoy it while we're here ❤️ Congratulations on the five-year mark, that is a huge milestone! xx
Thank you, Rosamund! It definitely wasn’t on my list of things to do in my twenties, but I’m in a good place now! Thank you for all you’re doing for our ‘community’ :) xx
Dr Annice Mukherjee is an endocrinologist (HRT specialist) and she says there’s little / no proven benefit of HRT outside symptom control.
She does mention some bone problems are an exception to the rule which is why they may have recommended it for you.
But for the most part it’s not proven for long term benefits, only for symptom control.
(I fully support people taking HRT if they need it, symptom control is a big deal. But women who can’t have it shouldn’t worry they’re harming their health)
I love Dr Mukherjee - we mention her in the podcast.
She says there are two exceptions: premature menopause and bone problems, both of which apply to me (and to lots of other younger women in early menopause after chemo).
You're absolutely right that women who can't have it shouldn't worry they're harming their health, there is so much you can do in terms of lifestyle, and Dr Mukherjee's book is so good on that stuff, too
Thank you for sharing your experience and it is indeed a massive minefield. My experience to try and get vaginal oestrogen, whilst on an aromatase inhibitor has been exhausting and upsetting. I haven't been heard by my oncology team but am receiving fabulous support elsewhere. Quality of life after breast cancer is so important x
I'm so sorry to hear that, I really thought that vaginal oestrogen is one thing where there's actually a consensus that it's safe for all women after breast cancer, since it's so localised and not systemic. I'm glad you're receiving good support, just a shame not from your oncology team! Sending love and solidarity xx
Well done for tackling this one, Ros. It’s really the elephant in the room as far as oncologists and breast surgeons are concerned. If I could take HRT again (I’m ER+ PR +) I’d be on it like a rat up a drainpipe. Asking the medics what they’d do if they were you is a powerful question, and one we should all employ. I used it when talking about Tamoxifen with my oncologist. One day I’ll tell you what she said. 😘
This is such an important and timely issue within the breast cancer community. Thank you for speaking so openly about your experience, Ros. I was diagnosed at 29 and have been in early menopause ever since. I've been on hormone suppression and have already developed osteopenia. I've actually just hit my five-year mark and been allowed to stop the medication, so I'm dearly hoping I'll come out of menopause, as I'd love to start a family. I do worry about my health in later life, though, especially my bones. Plus, now I know how awful menopause symptoms can be to manage! I don't relish the thought of going through it all again one day. Although, on the flip side, if I live long enough to experience menopause once more, I'll be very happy :)
So sorry to hear that Emma, this is a LOT at any age, but 29 is very young to be put through it. I think all we can do is live as well as we can, and enjoy it while we're here ❤️ Congratulations on the five-year mark, that is a huge milestone! xx
Thank you, Rosamund! It definitely wasn’t on my list of things to do in my twenties, but I’m in a good place now! Thank you for all you’re doing for our ‘community’ :) xx
Dr Annice Mukherjee is an endocrinologist (HRT specialist) and she says there’s little / no proven benefit of HRT outside symptom control.
She does mention some bone problems are an exception to the rule which is why they may have recommended it for you.
But for the most part it’s not proven for long term benefits, only for symptom control.
(I fully support people taking HRT if they need it, symptom control is a big deal. But women who can’t have it shouldn’t worry they’re harming their health)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_H5iIfIVvp/?igsh=MXh6NGt0azlkYjRwMQ==
I love Dr Mukherjee - we mention her in the podcast.
She says there are two exceptions: premature menopause and bone problems, both of which apply to me (and to lots of other younger women in early menopause after chemo).
You're absolutely right that women who can't have it shouldn't worry they're harming their health, there is so much you can do in terms of lifestyle, and Dr Mukherjee's book is so good on that stuff, too
Thank you for sharing your experience and it is indeed a massive minefield. My experience to try and get vaginal oestrogen, whilst on an aromatase inhibitor has been exhausting and upsetting. I haven't been heard by my oncology team but am receiving fabulous support elsewhere. Quality of life after breast cancer is so important x
I'm so sorry to hear that, I really thought that vaginal oestrogen is one thing where there's actually a consensus that it's safe for all women after breast cancer, since it's so localised and not systemic. I'm glad you're receiving good support, just a shame not from your oncology team! Sending love and solidarity xx