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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Can a Breast CA Survivor have HRT?
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy, hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis, sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
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Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Oct 31, 2005 12:00AM
, Oct 31, 2005 12:00AM
It is terrific you are 10 years cancer free. Whether or not one can take HRT after cancer is one of the most difficult questions there is to answer. Many doctors will just say no. Never take HRT after certain cancers. But in certain instances, in very specific cases, some doctors will prescribe estrogen. Usually it is for vaginal dryness, or hot flashes or other quality of life conditions that do not respond to other medications or treatments. Because there are a number of other treatments for osteoporosis, it would be unusual after cancer to treat with HRT to treat that problem.
However, for your doctor to consider estrogen, it will depend on the type of cancer, how advanced it was, and how aggressive it was. If the cancer was a low stage, not very aggressive, not sensitive to estrogen and other methods of treatment have failed, then taking estrogen might be an option. Hopefully your cancer is cured. But it is important to discuss your question with your doctor for your specific situation. If he or she isn’t comfortable discussion the situation, then get a recommendation of another doctor who would be willing to individualize your treatment. In the meantime, be sure to exercise daily (a 30+ minute walk is terrific), take calcium (500 – 1,000mg/day), and try other medications used for osteoporosis (for example: Fosomax, Actonel, Boniva (new once/month pill), Evista, calcitonin or parathyroid hormone.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Seibel
However, for your doctor to consider estrogen, it will depend on the type of cancer, how advanced it was, and how aggressive it was. If the cancer was a low stage, not very aggressive, not sensitive to estrogen and other methods of treatment have failed, then taking estrogen might be an option. Hopefully your cancer is cured. But it is important to discuss your question with your doctor for your specific situation. If he or she isn’t comfortable discussion the situation, then get a recommendation of another doctor who would be willing to individualize your treatment. In the meantime, be sure to exercise daily (a 30+ minute walk is terrific), take calcium (500 – 1,000mg/day), and try other medications used for osteoporosis (for example: Fosomax, Actonel, Boniva (new once/month pill), Evista, calcitonin or parathyroid hormone.
Wishing you the best,
Dr. Seibel
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