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[Sunflower]

Hi there, I had a triple negative breast cancer in 2019, completely sorted by chemo, surgery & radiotherapy 😁
I had been using mirena coils for approx 9years, but the last one managed to fall out the of my 1st chemo session,surely just a coincidence! I hadn’t really noticed much in the way of menopause symptoms before this other than a bit of vaginal dryness, the coils had stopped any bleeding for years, since early 40’s, I am now 53.
I just assumed I would have a period after it fell out, but no, absolutely nothing!! Now, nearly 3 years later, I saw my GP, as the vaginal dryness completely stops sex, even with otc gels, I don’t sleep well and am incredibly irritable! I hit an absolute brick wall. No HRT was possible with my history, not even vagifem pessaries, which I thought only worked locally?
Has anyone else had breast cancer and been prescribed any form of HRT, or does the slight risk completely rule out everything! 🥴. Thanks 😊

[Floradora]

Hi Sunflower. There are definitely ladies on this forum who have had breast cancer and are now taking HRT so I’m sure they will be along shortly with good advice. If you haven’t already, I suggest you get the book Oestrogen Matters by Dr Avrum Bluming, it has a whole chapter about ladies who have recovered from breast cancer and taking HRT. He also has does a few podcasts etc. I believe his own wife (or possibly daughter) had breast cancer and now takes HRT x

[CLKD]

Morning.  I do wish that Oncologists would keep up!   If HRT is so dangerous after breast conditions, surely double mastectomy should be advised?  As for vaginal dryness, it is possible to use this even after surgery etc..   Once the initial 2 weeks loading is done, the risks are very low.  My GP didn't hesitate to prescribe, 4 me it was like razor blades  up there  and regular treatment is necessary.

How do U feel otherwise?   I believe that Quality of Life is important.  After all, 1 may not require years of HRT in order to ease symptoms, it can be Trial and Error.  Some require treatment for Life.

MayB keep a mood/food/symptom diary to chart progress?  Keep well hydrated, eat regularly and get as much VitD/exercise as is possible.   

[Nas]

You need a referral to a menopause specialist to discuss your case individually.

I’ve had stage 3 hormone positive breast cancer and take HRT.

I was referred to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital initially, but am now under Liverpool women’s hospital.

I’ve been prescribed patches, gels, tablets, pessaries, testosterone, the lot really ( at different times). It can be done, just don’t be fobbed off!

It won’t be a walk in the park, but at the very least , you should get vagifem and Ovestin  prescribed . Vaginal Atrophy is a serious condition when left untreated and pretty miserable at that.

Good luck 

[ATB]

No personal experience but my best friend takes HRT and had breast cancer fairly recently. It can be done, as others have said ask to see a meno specialist. Hope you feel better soon.

[sweettooth]

Me too BC survivor.
You will need to be seen by menopause specialist as Nas has said.
Quality of life. 
Please read Avrum Blumings book. Good luck x