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Menopause Matters magazine ISSUE 81 out now. (Autumn issue, September 2025)

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Author Topic: Diet improvements instead of HRT  (Read 1040 times)

deebeedee

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Diet improvements instead of HRT
« on: January 02, 2025, 06:42:08 PM »

I may have to give up HRT while undergoing breast cancer investigations. Any ideas on how to supplement my diet naturally?
I try to eat healthily anyway but any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks
(I am only on pesseries and patch and have had no trouble- so this is a nuisance all round!!)
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CLKD

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Re: Diet improvements instead of HRT
« Reply #1 on: January 02, 2025, 09:30:37 PM »

Who has suggested that you need to give up HRT?

Which investigations are you being advised to undergo?  This is something to discuss with the Consultant.  He/she will need to know how long you have been using replacement, which symptom you wanted to ease first and on what basis would you have to stop?

After having treatment in the 1990s a few people asked whether I would be altering my diet.  Well nope 'cos anything 'laid down' would a) be genetic and b) eating habits from an early age.

I found a lump which was aspirated and sent to a Lab.. At no time was diet discussed throughout my surgery and treatment.

MayB make a note of what you eat for the next 5 days, 24/7 as well as what you drink.  U may like to have your VitD levels and thyroid function checked prior to any surgery.  That will give you a base line from which to work.  Otherwise: a healthy diet, regular brisk walking to protect heart/bones which HRT is able to do; keep hydrated and plenty of 'me' time.

Let us know how you get on.  Make a list of any concerns with you to each appt.
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bombsh3ll

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Re: Diet improvements instead of HRT
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2025, 02:48:38 PM »

I think a healthy diet full of antioxidants ie fruit and veggies, nuts, seeds, fibre, healthy protein etc is beneficial for anyone whether dealing with health challenges or not.

I encourage my kids to "eat the rainbow".

Exercise would also be a wonder drug if it could be patented.

And if you drink alcohol at all, I would consider stopping as there is good research around alcohol and breast cancer, however this is a personal choice and quality of life is also valuable.

Another personal choice is whether to continue hormone therapy whilst having investigations if you haven't actually been diagnosed with anything - the vast majority of lumps and changes flagged by screening mammography turn out to be benign, so do make sure this is your decision as it is a very vulnerable time and women are frequently bullied into stopping beneficial treatment for something that turns out to be benign, and then it can be hard to get it reinstated.
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deebeedee

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Re: Diet improvements instead of HRT
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2025, 02:57:57 PM »

thanks v much for the responses - really helpful.
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CLKD

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Re: Diet improvements instead of HRT
« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2025, 04:11:17 PM »

Any of your experiences shared here will help other members.  Good Luck!
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pepperminty

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Re: Diet improvements instead of HRT
« Reply #5 on: January 04, 2025, 06:53:14 PM »

Google Louise Newson and breast cancer- always useful to know whether you have it or not - she has pod casts all about the subject - risks benefits etc .  Don't do a knee jerk reaction before you get fully informed and research all your options. You can use vaginal estrogen as it is such a low dose  and it is quality of life.

PMxx
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