Should soy products be avoided for estrogen + cancer

Hi @LorraineB I am a vegetarian too and I don't think estrogens from food are proven to significantly boost bodily estrogens, when eaten in small amounts.

'Plant oestrogens (phytoestrogens) may be able to replace some of the oestrogen lost at menopause and help reduce menopause symptoms. Evidence from trials has been conflicting and it is not certain whether they work any better than placebo...
Large amounts of phytoestrogens are not recommended in people with oestrogen-positive breast cancer or other oestrogen-dependent cancers, as they may stimulate growth of cancer cells.'

From here: 
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/menopause-information/managing-menopause/#Non-hormonal%20medications

Hi @LorraineB, I know of ladies who enjoy their soy products and have weighed up their options in regard to their individual risks. I think ultimately its your decision but don't hesitate to ask your oncologist as they should be up to date with studies etc and will be able to give you an informed answer tailored to you. All the best xx 

@LorraineB also what @socoda said with regard to your oncologist.

Thank you  @Vangirl and @socoda   I will probably just have it once a week.  I have been struggling with fatigue and wondering if it is nutrition related so I am trying to increase my protein and iron intake.

@LorraineB

Depending what stage of treatment you are at, fatigue is completely normal. Is there a nutritionist you can talk to as part of your treatment team?

In the meantime, don't stint on the legumes and leafy greens! :smiley:

@LorraineB Not sure where you're at with treatment but if doing chemo, it suppresses haemoglobin production which in turn will make you very tired.

@Vangirl  and @Sister I had chemo, surgery and radiation back in 2015, finished herceptin March 2016.  I am on arimidex  now, not sure if that is contributing to the fatigue..

I am seeing a dietitian through the ICan program unfortunately the few changes she has had me make haven't helped a great deal

Hi @LorraineB it's quite possible that the Arimidex is contributing to the fatigue - it's a common side effect apparently. There is a thread about Letrozole which is a very similar drug. Many of the ladies here are struggling with the side effects, especially fatigue. Will tag you in, with apologies if you have already checked it out.

Thank you @Vangirl If it is due to the arimidex there is not much I can do about it I suppose. Just add it to the list of side of effects I have to live with.
I haven't seen the letrozole thread. I will check  it out. 

@LorraineB a couple of tagged threads should be with you.

I'm going to be joining the club no-one wants to be in myself shortly - I will need to take Letrozole or anastrozole (Arimidex). Not looking forward to it one iota!