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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Hormones
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Hormones
by Kasey39, May 19, 2001 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 at age 39. My periods stopped after I started chemo for about 6 months. Since they started again I spot for two weeks and have my period for one week which means there is one week out of the month I am not having my period. My question is, do you think there would be a problem with me taking birth control pills to regulate this? Even though my cancer was er,pr negative my Oncologist is insistant that I don't take any kind of hormones. What do you think? I can't see any other solution to this problem. Thank you, Kasey
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, May 21, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Kasey39: It has long been the case that any woman diagnosed with breast cancer should avoid taking hormones for the rest of her life, regardless of whether the cancer was hormone receptor positive or not. Because of the many benefits of hormone replacement therapy, namely heart benefits and reduction of osteoporosis, much attention is beginning to be given to this issue. A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute by Dr. Ellen O’Meara suggests that hormone replacement therapy may have benefit to women who have had breast cancer, without significant risk. She states that this is not a definitive study, however. There is still much controversy about what recommendation should be made. Birth control pills would present issues similar to hormone replacement therapy. You might consider obtaining an opinion at a large teaching type hospital and talk with both a breast cancer specialist and a gynecologist who can specifically evaluate your situation and explain risks and benefits so that you can make an informed choice.
