Forum Discussion
Hormone Therapy advice for young women who want to have children
Hi everyone đ Iâm seeking some advice on what hormone therapy is best for younger women who want kids in the future.
I have Grade 1 multifocal IDC+DCIS, 80% hormone positive, ER- cancer & Iâm premenopausal, with no children. I was told after 2 years of hormone therapy I can try to fall pregnant (âŚbut am hoping 1.5 will be enough?)
I have been given three options for hormone therapy:
â˘Tamoxifen only
â˘Zoladex + Tamoxifen
â˘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?
ie. longer detox periods required before falling pregnant, or potential fertility issues after long term use, eg Zoladex or Exemestane?
I have also read that Exemestane (Aromasin) is an *irreversible* steroidal aromatase inhibitor. I donât 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?
Iâd really appreciate any advice & tips for having the best chance of getting pregnant in 2 years! X
6 Replies
- Yes I paid for the Prosigna test. Based on my cancer the risk of recurrence isnât higher in year 1 versus year 3 for example - just each year it reduces down by 0.5%, so actually it is not super risky only waiting the one year in my instance versus 2.Iâve also had radiation and chemo.Thatâs interesting re the tamoxifen study, I will have been on it for approx 5 months before coming off and my doctors havenât raised that as an issue so will follow their advice for now!Good luck with it all xx
- Hi @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?Iâm finding it difficult to get any specific information like that from my oncologist. Itâs all very vague.
She ideally wants me to be on âZoladex & an Aromatase Inhibitorâ, but could also try âZoladex & Tamoxifenâ
The âZoladex and AIâ is the most effective at stopping any recurrence. But from what I understand Iâm low risk, like yourself (I had clear lymph nodes & I didnât need chemo or radiation), so I donât know why she wants to put me on the strongest combination, for 2 years.. itâs 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! - Hi @skbr
Similar situation for me, Iâm 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.Hope that helps! I was upset at 2 years so know that feeling. Iâll come off for 8 weeks prior to starting IVF, pending my imaging coming back all clear xx - Have a read of this gorgeous post
"MIA - update â BCNA Online Network" https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/200926#Comment_200926 - Hi @brightspace. Thank you very much for your suggestion. Iâm not sure what you mean by page 4 MIA? Is that page 4 of the âTests, Treatments and side effectsâ discussion forum?
- Hi Skbr
some info has been posted recentlySee page 4 MIAVery informative for your situation
