Hormone Therapy advice for young women who want to have children

Question

Hi everyone 😊 &nbsp;I’m seeking some advice on what hormone therapy is best for younger women who want kids in the future.&nbsp;I have Grade 1 multifocal IDC+DCIS, 80% hormone positive, ER- cancer &amp; I’m premenopausal, with no children. I was told after 2 years of hormone therapy I can try to fall pregnant (…but am hoping 1.5 will be enough?)&nbsp;I have been given three options for hormone therapy:•Tamoxifen only•Zoladex + Tamoxifen&nbsp;•Zoladex + Exemestane (Aromasin)All offer similar coverage in regards to my type of cancer, but I was wondering if there are any differences in regards to future fertility?&nbsp;ie. longer detox periods required before falling pregnant, or potential fertility issues after long term use, eg Zoladex or Exemestane?&nbsp;I have also read that Exemestane (Aromasin) is an *irreversible* steroidal aromatase inhibitor. I don’t want to be on anything that could irreversibly damage my oestrogen production.. Fertility-wise, does anyone know if this is something to avoid until after having children?I’d really appreciate any advice &amp; tips for having the best chance of getting pregnant in 2 years! X

brightspace · Answer

Hi Skbrsome info has been posted recentlySee page 4 MIAVery informative for your situation

skbr · Answer

Hi @brightspace. Thank you very much for your suggestion. I’m not sure what you mean by page 4 MIA? Is that page 4 of the “Tests, Treatments and side effects” discussion forum?&nbsp;

iserbrown · Answer

Have a read of this gorgeous post"MIA - update — BCNA Online Network" https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/200926#Comment_200926

janeinmelbourne · Answer

Hi @skbr&nbsp;Similar situation for me, I’m hoping to start IVF one year after my initial diagnosis. My oncologist recommended I switch to tamoxifen - knowing that it would take some time for my ovarian function to return and allowing this to occur versus shutting this down completely. My risk of recurrence is 0.5% each year - so this has been factored in to that decision.&nbsp;Hope that helps! I was upset at 2 years so know that feeling. I’ll come off for 8 weeks prior to starting IVF, pending my imaging coming back all clear xx

skbr · Answer

Hi&nbsp;@JaneinMelbourne, thank you so much for your response. Could I ask how you know your risk of recurrence is 0.5%? Is there a test? or did your oncologist work it out?&nbsp;I’m finding it difficult to get any specific information like that from my oncologist. It’s all very vague.She ideally wants me to be on “Zoladex &amp; an Aromatase Inhibitor”, but could also try “Zoladex &amp; Tamoxifen”The “Zoladex and AI” is the most effective at stopping any recurrence. But from what I understand I’m low risk, like yourself (I had clear lymph nodes &amp; I didn’t need chemo or radiation), so I don’t know why she wants to put me on the strongest combination, for 2 years.. it’s interesting to hear that 1year could be ok too.There is also a new study indicating that Tamoxifen needs a 9month detox/washout period before falling pregnant.. So that is adding another layer of confusion to the decision!&nbsp;

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Hormone Therapy advice for young women who want to have children

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