Hormones R Hopping

Hello,

This morning I attended an information session run by BreaCan called ‘Hormones R Hopping’ (a lively title for what turned out to be a lively and informative session!).

 

Christine Houlihan, an endocrinologist from Austin Health and Mercy Hospital for Women in Melbourne gave a great talk about the role of hormones and their link to breast cancer.

 

It was particularly interesting to hear Christine talk about the ‘workings’ of Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors. Christine spoke in length about the troublesome side effect of Tamoxifen being hot flushes, and mentioned that 80% of women taking Tamoxifen experience hot flushes, some more severe than others. Christine encouraged those women experiencing hot flushes to avoid hot drinks, caffeine, stress, spicy foods and alcohol. She also mentioned that Gabapentin may be an effective treatment for hot flushes experienced by post menopausal women. Unfortunately this treatment is not listed on the PBS, but if you are interested to learn more about this treatment you should speak to your treating health professional.

 

At the end of the session, BreaCan informed everyone about the ‘Menopause after Cancer Care Clinic’ located at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. If you live in Victoria, you may be interested in attending this clinic. If so, speak to your GP and ask for a referral.

 

 

Astrid