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I've stopped my HRT... any suggestions???
Hello everyone. Well, at the advice of Dr.Kurman at Johns Hopkins (he's doing the second opinion on my pathology slides) I've stopped taking my Premarin - cold turkey. I've surprisingly had no side effects (yet!) but I've noticed I'm running a little warmer than usual! I've actually slept better than I have in months! Ok, so I'm 28yrs old and I take nothing now. (except Wellbutrin) What should I be taking as far as supplements go? Am I allowed to take bio-identical hormones instead of Premarin? I worry about things like osteoperosis etc... Anyone have any suggestions? I have yet to talk to my Dr about all this. I also start chemo tomorrow (again) and I don't know if I'm supposed to be taking any sort of hormone while I'm on it. I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have.
Thanks,
Becky
Thanks,
Becky
I'm so glad you've heard from Johns Hopkins. When I read your last update I had wondered when on earth you were going to hear from them!
The little bit I've heard is that it sounds like the researchers are starting to think the bioidenticals cause the same issues as regular HRT, meaning for you it could cause the same problems. Why don't you wait until you can speak to your doctor....erring on the side of caution was good advice :)
Susan
The little bit I've heard is that it sounds like the researchers are starting to think the bioidenticals cause the same issues as regular HRT, meaning for you it could cause the same problems. Why don't you wait until you can speak to your doctor....erring on the side of caution was good advice :)
Susan
I was taken off my HRT during chemo because the onc said my cell type was estrogen sensitive. Like another person said that means no bio identical and no over the counter stuff including soy because is all mimics estrogen. When I first went off it wasnt bad but they have gotten worse now. I'm 38 so I know how you feel. Onc said I could go on anti depressants for the hot flashes but right now I personally would rather just deal with them.
I figure why do Anything that could cause my cancer to come back! good luck in treatment!
I figure why do Anything that could cause my cancer to come back! good luck in treatment!
Hi Becky,
Breast cancer sites and forums are a good source of information on alternatives to HRT, as it's also hormone sensitive. I got a few ideas from them before I found I could take HRT with my cancer and was having really bad sweats and flashes, but I can't remember specifics, but may be worth a look.
There are some conventional drug treatments for hot flashes and night sweats that seem to have good results though, some very low dose anti-depressants have had up to 60% reduction in trials. I was going to try these as I couldn't have coped with everything else happening and the sleeplessness due to the night sweats and needed a quick fix.
Hugs and good thoughts,
Lisa.
Breast cancer sites and forums are a good source of information on alternatives to HRT, as it's also hormone sensitive. I got a few ideas from them before I found I could take HRT with my cancer and was having really bad sweats and flashes, but I can't remember specifics, but may be worth a look.
There are some conventional drug treatments for hot flashes and night sweats that seem to have good results though, some very low dose anti-depressants have had up to 60% reduction in trials. I was going to try these as I couldn't have coped with everything else happening and the sleeplessness due to the night sweats and needed a quick fix.
Hugs and good thoughts,
Lisa.
Hi Becky! Just briefly, I don't have the chemo or cancer involvement you are dealing with, but my first thoughts about it are "Well heck if they had you on Premarin, surely to goodness they can't discount a bioidentical Estrogen at least."
From my research, I believe Premarin to be inadequate and, yes, dangerous. I think it is an outdated, synthetic drug. I also hate the cruel way the horses are treated to harvest the drug.
I am on the Estraderm patch, which is FDA approved, and yet considered bioidentical. It is a prescription from my gynecologist, who is the head of gynecology at the leading teaching hospital in my city in western Canada.
Your body does manufacture some hormones on its own, from the adrenal glands, etc. But I can certainly understand a bit of hormone help would sure be nice. Are you allowed to take some calcium, for bones?
You have to talk to your doctor...
Lots of love, Katie
From my research, I believe Premarin to be inadequate and, yes, dangerous. I think it is an outdated, synthetic drug. I also hate the cruel way the horses are treated to harvest the drug.
I am on the Estraderm patch, which is FDA approved, and yet considered bioidentical. It is a prescription from my gynecologist, who is the head of gynecology at the leading teaching hospital in my city in western Canada.
Your body does manufacture some hormones on its own, from the adrenal glands, etc. But I can certainly understand a bit of hormone help would sure be nice. Are you allowed to take some calcium, for bones?
You have to talk to your doctor...
Lots of love, Katie
Err on the side of caution....don't take anything....take absolutely no chances here....no matter who says what...the best way for you to feel better is to get plenty of hugs from your little Tybear and the rest of the family that loves you. I hope your family has a great Thanksgiving!
Peace.
dian
Peace.
dian
Hey Becky....I too am not allowed to take HRT, not even bio-identical. My case is different then yours....I developed cysts after having my ovaried removed, I was early stage 1A. I had to stop because they are afraid that my cysts are caused by estrogen. They have no proof, but, why take something that could be making things worse. I am also not allowed to take the OTC stuff because "the soy imitates estrogen"....so as for relief of the night sweats, I take Vit E, 800 IUs (more then I am supposed to) and it helps some...not much but some.
Speak to your doctors about bioidential hormones (I was on estrodoil (sp) which is bioidential and had to stop) and over the counter...the one thing that I have learned, is that not all doctors think alike.
Speak to your doctors about bioidential hormones (I was on estrodoil (sp) which is bioidential and had to stop) and over the counter...the one thing that I have learned, is that not all doctors think alike.
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