HRT and Breast cancer

I was told that if the dr takes out my ovaries that I wont be able to take HRT because of my family's extensive history w/ Breast cancer. Does HRT really increase my risk of getting breast cancer by 75% or is that just a number that my family has come up with. My granny had a hyst in 1973 and was on HRT for around 15 yrs. Then when I was 14 she got breast cancer and was told that she would have had less of a chance of getting it if she hadnt been on HRT. Now both of my grams have had it, my mom, 2 aunts, and a scare for myself a year ago. Should I be concerned about this? We arent sure that my ovaries are in good enough shape to save until surgery, so I wont know what I am dealing with for another month. I really dont want to put my family through a hyst and then menopause on top of it. I have 4 young children, and dont want to have to deal with MP and kids. Really need some good advice. Thanks for listening.

Hi Dianna

I just had a complete hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy 5 days ago. I had the surgery to force my body into menopause because two years ago, at the age of 39, i was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy and 6 months of chemo. Chemo temporarily put me in menopause which was a good thing because my cancer is estrogen responsive,,,,i.e. estrogen makes it spread. But once I came out of the menopause, my oncologist suggested the removal of my ovaries (and all the other stuff) so that I would stop producing estrogen. I know it's going to be tough - but I feel I have no choice. Like you, I have kids - three boys - and I know its going to be trying for them....but on the other hand, I am enduring surgical menopause so I can be alive for them!
I don't know about the 75% statistic,,,but I do know that HRT can be like miracle grow to certain types of breast cancer. Have you read Suzanne Somers book, The Sexy Years? I haven't read the whole thing but she is a breast cancer survivor that despite her doctor's warnings decided to take Bioidentical hormones for the quality of her life. I want quality but I want quantity as well. A friend of mine who had everything removed refused HRT aand is doing pretty well. She went on an antidepressant and she said that did wonders. She has hot flashes but would rather have those than take the risk associated with HRT.

Jaki

Thank you for your reply. I really have been thinking this over, and dont want to go on HRT no matter what. I think that after talking to my mom on Sat. that I have decided that I would rather go into perimenopause than take the risk of getting breast cancer. It runs soooo strong in my family, and I'd rather not increase my chances any more then I have to. I really feel like this is the best choice, even if my dr doesn't agree with me. I am really hoping that one of my ovaries will be able to be saved so that I don't have to face this possibility, and I really think it is a true possibility. I dont know how it would affect my children if I do have to go through perimenopause, but I will just have to pray that they will be understanding if that is what God has planned for me. l can only do what I think is in my own best interest for me, so I am going to follow my heart with this choice. Thank you for your input. I really appreciated it.

Hi,

I had breast cancer two years ago aged 37. I had a mastectomy and have been on tamoxifen since.

I had a hysterectomy and ovaries removed a year ago today, because of fibroids. My surgeon recommended that the ovaries be removed as my cancer was oestrogen positive (oestrogen makes it grow and spread). I was told I would not be able to take any HRT or 'natural' alternatives.

I was worried about surgical menopause. I have a young daughter and look after two other young children when I am not working. I had read a lot of scary things about the menopause.

However, I am feeling fine and healthy, the only menopausal symptoms I have are hot flashes. They are worse at night, but I only get about 4 a week, and the ones during the day are mild, quick (about 30 seconds) and infrequent. To start with I had 3 or 4 per day, but now its down to 3 or 4 a week. I wouldn't feel the need for HRT even if I could!

Have a look at the thread called "BSO 10 days ago-no hormones-no HRT, will it last?", it has lots of encouraging stories from sisters who are not having horrendous symptoms. I wish I'd seen something similar last year!

Obviously, not everyone is so lucky, and lots of ladies do suffer lots of problems with the menopause, but it isn't inevitable.

I don't know about the 75% statistic either, but I do know that HRT significantly increases your risk, and I think you are wise to avoid it. Be wary of alternatives too, if in doubt ask your doctor. Different types of breast cancer react differently to hormones.

Good luck!