Forum Discussion

Shae's avatar
Shae
Member
2 months ago

Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hi all — I’ve been reading a recent research- esp. from the US, including the book Estrogen Matters, which questions the idea that women with breast cancer should automatically avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and how it can help with longevity etc. 

I’m planning to speak with my doctor about it, but I’m curious — has anyone here looked into this or discussed HRT after breast cancer with their team?

Would love to hear your experiences or any studies/resources you found helpful.

HRT
menopause
treatment decisions

3 Replies

  • Daina_BCNA's avatar
    Daina_BCNA
    Community Manager
    2 months ago

    Hi Shae​, Thanks for raising such an important topic. In addition to Arpie's comments, we thought you may also find the below info helpful to discuss with your oncologist.

    HRT is generally not recommended for people with or who’ve had hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, due to the link between estrogen and cancer growth. Systemic (delivered throughout the body) HRT, in particular, has been associated with a higher risk of recurrence. A 2021 analysis found a 46% increase in risk for those who used it. Because of this, current guidelines advise against systemic HRT for anyone with a history of breast cancer.

    That said, topical HRT options like low-dose vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, or rings may be considered safer, as they tend to stay localised and don’t significantly raise hormone levels in the body.

    It’s definitely a complex and sometimes confusing area, with limited research available, so it’s great that you’re planning to explore it further with your treating team. 

    🔗 HRT and breast cancer recurrence risk – breastcancer.org
    🔗 Topical vs systemic HRT – breastcancer.org
    🔗 HRT and breast cancer risk overview – breastcancer.org

    • HardDecisions's avatar
      HardDecisions
      Member
      2 months ago

      HiDaina_BCNA​ 

      LikeShae​ i too am incredibly interested in the research findings shared in Oestrogen Matters book (coauthored by Dr Amens) not least because it inspires some hope - quality of life appears to be completely disregarded by the majority of Oncologists so it’s beyond refreshing to hear Dr Amens, an oncologist in the US, has been advocating for HRT because our sanity, heart, brain, skin & sexual health matters! 

      Interested which 2021 you are referring to “A 2021 analysis found a 46% increase in risk for those who used it”? In the book, there was ONE out of 26 studies since the mid 90s that found an increase in recurrence and that was the HABITS study, subsequently deemed as deeply flawed. 

      HRT changed my life, am just disappointed I was only on it for 6 months before my diagnosis. Which I had to advocate to get to the bottom on breast pain for far too long. It was NOT caused by HRT, presented to Drs 18 months before that. I am ER & PR positive and it’s such a cruel blow. 

      3 days of tamoxifen and there is no way I’m continuing with it with the instant and severe toxic side effects. Too debilitating and frankly dangerous for an active mum.

      Hunting for a way to assess recurrence risk - has anyone seen this? Peri rage has come back with full force and the best way to direct it is to see how we can support women who have already been through enough!! 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 months ago

    Check your Biopsy results, Shae​  ..... if your diagnosis was ER/Pr+ ... that means your Breast Cancer was being 'fed' by Oestrogen & Progesterone (the hormones that are in HRT.)

    This is why Hormone Suppressing meds (AIs) are suggested after surgery.

    I was on HRT when I had my FIRST  Mammogram 'call back'.  It had made my breast VERY lumpy and they had difficulty reading the Mammogram.  As a result of that experience, I stopped taking it. 

    About 10 years later, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  It was missed by BreastScreen NSW - & only picked up by my GP when she did a random 'boob check' on me & she felt it. (It was just months after the 'clear' BreastScreen mammogram.)

    Ask your Oncs about it this week when you see them.  Be guided by them

    take care & all the best