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Clairebear56's avatar
Clairebear56
Member
7 years ago

Natural therapies vs hormone therapy

Diagnosed in March this year. Lumpectomy. No spread into lymphatic system. Radiotherapy ended early July this year. I earlier had a discussion on this forum called "Arimidex - they're joking, right?" or something like that. Thanks again to everyone that gave input to that discussion. I stopped taking Arimidex 5 weeks in when the side effects became really debilitating (hence the earlier discussion). I don't think my doctor (who I see again in December) will be able to persuade me to give it another go, and the alternative drugs (tamoxifen, femora?) look to have pretty similar side effects, so I've started looking around (googling) at more natural ways to reduce the amount of oestrogen I'm producing. I figure at least I'll feel like I'm still doing something to improve my prospects. Of course, there's thousands of websites with lots of snakeoil sellers, and some which seem pretty ridgy didge too. I would be really grateful for any feedback at all in relation to this topic, including the risks involved (if known) and where the best source of information is. Obviously, I'll also be going to see a reputable naturopath (yes, there are such people). Thanks in advance and stay on top! 
hormone-therapy
natural-therapies
  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
    Member
    7 years ago
    Exemestane is different from the others as it's steroidal. Some people who find Letrozole etc unbearable do better on Exemestane. @arpie is one. K xox
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    7 years ago

    I dunno Claire, it's not just about the oestrogen. For starts the term oestrogen is deceptive: it is not just one hormone, it's a whole chemical group and it's not possible to eliminate them all. The AI's also work to impair hormone receptive tumours accessing fuel by creating a chemical barrier.

    I had a miserable experience with Anastrazole and Letrazole, to the point I was going to give up because my quality of life was shit. I've switched to Exmesetane a month ago and many of the more miserable side effects have disappeared. I'm still vaguely 'wrong' but it's bearable.

    To put this in perspective, I was first diagnosed in 2006 and (even after 5 years on Tamoxifen) I had a recurrence in 2016. One the 'How much does this suck?' scale, having your cancer return even after you've done everything you can is about a 10. Which has made me fairly committed to taking the best scientific approach I can to stay alive. The initial response to AI made me question that resolve. I'm glad my oncologist was willing to work with me through all the options before I threw in the towel. I'm a high risk individual who also indulges in some high risk activities so it's more than likely I'll never be out of the woods, but life is OK for now. All things considered.

    If you aren't going to go the scientific route, please don't waste your money on naturopaths, there is nothing diet or supplements can do to produce the same results as the drugs. Live clean and hope by all means, but there are no 'ridgy didge' suppliers of alternative products. Mxx