Forum Discussion

Sister's avatar
Sister
Member
5 years ago

Will there ever be another way besides oestrogen suppression?

I've now been on AIs for over 2 years and, for me, the side effects are so debilitating or annoying.  Constant pain, fatigue, possible concentration/memory loss (although may be also left over from chemo), dry skin, no libido, thinning hair, continual weight gain.  I never realised until now just how much we still need the small amounts of oestrogen that our bodies produce after menopause.  All of my symptoms are related to oestrogen suppression.  I would dearly love to know whether there is any research being done on alternative methods of recurrence prevention for OR+ BC that focuses on something other than oestrogen.
hormone-therapy
research
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    The doctor who wrote the article in The Conversation certainly took the side effects seriously, but then the problem is neatly divided into ‘take’ or ‘not take’ and there is nothing simple about that sort of decision. Reminding ourselves that none of the treatments we embrace (or put up with) are guaranteed cures doesn’t resolve anything either. Which leaves @zoffiel’s option - screaming in the car! Take care. 
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    5 years ago
    Thanks @Afraser.  Just feeling a bit over it all at the moment.  I do understand that we are lucky to have something that hopefully will keep recurrence at bay, but I do wonder if the problems that many of us face are taken seriously enough for alternatives to be researched.
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    5 years ago
    I am so sorry you are having such debilitating side effects. I have found a couple of articles (eg The Conversation, December 2016) about the problem, but it’s all about knowing the possible side effects - no mention of any alternative (ie non oestrogen blocking) therapy - although nettles apparently can block oestrogen too! It’s also so hit or miss - I too have side effects but they are manageable, don’t interfere with my life and I might just make my last two years on Femara! Can only wish you fortitude until something better is available. Best wishes.