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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Neurofibromatosis and hormone replacement thearpy Topic Area:Posted by Christine Jenkins on May 04, 1999 at 11:41:45Topic Area: NeurofibromatosisDoes hormone replacement thearpy (i.e., Prempro) have any affect on tumor (neurofibroma) growth? I have noticed an incease of neurofibromas - as well as enlargement of existing neurofibromas, but am not sure whether or not to attribute it to the regular progression of the disorder or to the hrt.
Dear Sheila: I am sorry to hear that your neurofibromas are increasing in size. I really do not know of any data to suggest that sex steroids would influence the size or numbers of neurofibromas. In addition, I do not know of any studies suggesting that these are in anyway influenced by sex steroids. As most replacement steroids are designed to mimic the natural states of sex steriods or somewhat reduced in levels but still retaining the effect, I would doubt that a continuing of sex steriods would influence neurofibromas. The most likely situation is that the natural progression of the neurofibroma and the disease is occuring. If I find anything I will put a posting on the site. Sincerely, CCF Neuro[P] MD
Dear Sheila: :My name is Christine. I have NF-2 and have posted a response prior to this one. HRT and Neurofibromatosis is still questionable. I have used HRT in the past and experienced tumor growth acceleration first-hand. If you are having the same experiences, then I suggest stopping the Prempro before things get out of control. I believe that my use of hormones in the past has led me to where I am presently, which is facing major surgery for removal of a meningioma on my temporal lobe, tumors in the orbit of my left eye and optic nerve. If you "feel" like the growth acceleration is directly related to the HRT, then it probably is true. I know that the natural progression pertaining to my case was very slow up until I began using Estrace and Provera... then 6 months into the therapy, things started happening. Not slow, like before. Fast. So fast I couldn't keep up with the acceleration of old growth as opposed to the introduction of new. Later, I learned that tumors release hormone receptors, estrogen receptors to a lesser degree, progesterone receptors to a much greater degree. It appears that our tumors rely on the progesterone for existence. My advice on a patient-to-patient basis is to quit and keep a close watch on what is happening. Sincerely, Christine
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