Tamoxifen/HRT

Hi,
I am 56 and have been diagnosed with LCIS.  I will start taking Tamoxifen in 2 weeks. I have been taken off my hormone replacement pill that I have been on since 1998.  Is there anything else I can take to replace my HRT, and be on Tamoxifen at the same time? Herbal product or otherwise? Thanks! :)

[SueYoung55]

Hi Betty,

You really need to speak to your oncologist about this but I believe the answer is no. Unless you want to take the risk associated with HRT and cancer, which you can choose to do.

I had ER & PR positive cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma and after going on tamoxifen I had some issues come up that had me begging for some estrogen cream. I was made aware of the risks associated with it and used it VERY sparingly until I was "better" which took about 2 weeks or so.

Choose wisely...

Best wishes.

[betty1953]

Thank You for your answer. So far I am doing pretty good. Just shakey (shaky) some mornings.My oncologists reply to how to cope with possible emotions going up and down by not being on HRT was to go on antidepressants!!  NEVER!! Will deal with mood flares and such on my own. :)

[SueYoung55]

Antianxiety and antidepressants can be of wonderfulI help. I never needed them and then after all my chemo and radiation were over and I was on tamoxifen I for sure needed some help. I chose lexapro, 10 mg. and it works wonders for me. But I waited and suffered for several months before asking for help, which was stupid on my part. I guess I'm not superwoman..... I have a beautiful cape for sale ..... any other superwomen out there that think they need a cape?  

[bluebutterfly2222]

1. Since you have been diagnosed with LCIS, you should probably be especially careful about seeking "a replacement for your HRT."

From a study published last year: "Hormone replacement therapy can raise the risk of an uncommon type of breast cancer fourfold after just three years, U.S. researchers reported on Monday. They found women who took combined estrogen/progestin hormone-replacement therapy for three years or more had four times the usual risk of lobular breast cancer. "

2. Some of the nonprescription products advertised over the Internet or in magazines as  "natural" alternatives for  treating menopausal symptoms may be even more risky, because they are not subjected to the same  testing  for either safety or ingredients that is required for products regulated by the FDA. They may actually (illegally) contain prescription hormones, or have other ingredients that may stimulate your body to produce the very homones you are using tamoxifen to suppress.

3. Mood problems and hot flashes can be greatly helped by certain antidepressants, as Sue Young55 pointed out, and are used by many women being treated for breast cancer. (If you decided to try one, though, make sure it is not one contraindicated for use with tamoxifen.)  

4. Regular exercise and accupuncture have  been found in some studies to be effective for reducing those symptoms as well, if for some reason you remain determined NEVER to consider antidepressants...

Best wishes...

[betty1953]

I just felt like if I wasn't depressed or have anxiety why take antidepressants. My symptoms would be from a lack of hormones my body lacked from not having my HRT .  That is why I said never. If it comes to it I will use them, but I will try my best not to. I am not one who likes a lot of pills or meds in my body. Have always been this way. Plus I am a nurse. This tamoxifen thing has me rattled. Sorry if I rattled any of you. Thank you all for your advice. I am grateful for it. :)

[katarina777]

Betty, the Tamoxifen may give you a lot of problems as it does many. I personally did not get depressed on it and I also did not gain weight on it but hot flashes 'major' and then really bad joint problems and bone problems and sleeping problems. Many doctors deny it's from Tamoxifen but we know better than that; it's just too many of us.

Then there are also the Aromatase Inhibitors which are often the first line recommended for post menopausal women  but I absolutely could not take them; immediately after injesting the first pill it felt like I was placed in a cage and dumped off in hell.

But what I most wanted to say is that when I started the Tamoxifen, for the first few days I felt totally catatonic and that passed. So, if it's really bad in the beginning, give it at least a week, OK, because those side effects may pass. The hot flashes also got better with time, and Clonidine is helpful for those as well and if you cannot sleep. It's very short acting. (I know it's another pill and I heard you, just giving you information, OK)

Sorry you have to deal with all this; but what can we do but the best. Also, on WebMD, there is a place where patients talk about their experience with meds;  it's really helpful to go there and much more helpful that relying on your doctor about side effects. KAT

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi again,

I guess I didn't express myself very well.

What I meant to communicate was that antidepressants are often used by women who are NOT suffering from depression, to treat hot flashes in those who cannot or do not want to incur the possible risks assiciated with HRT.

I completely respect your decision, however,  to refuse to consider them for ANY purpose, and that is why I suggested some other means of dealing with hot flashes, should they become a problem once you are on tamoxifen.

Sorry for any confusion...

[SueYoung55]

Betty,

Just get in line behind me, I've got a great big fan blowing night and day! :)

Happy Holidays!

[betty1953]

Hi,

Thank you both for your advice. I am just going to go with the flow and do whatever I need to do, and quit worrying about it. I can't control any of this. I will do whatever it takes to endure.  I won't stress over pills. I will welcome them and be glad they are available. I am doing fine w/out HRT right now,. Moods are manageable.  It will all be fine. Thank you again for helping me. You all have a good Thanksgiving and bless you!!