Endometrial cancer and HRT?

Just getting use to this site, it's my first day on. I heard about it from a friend.

Did anyone have their hysterectomy due to Endometrial Cancer? Mine was stage 1 and the cells had not penetrated the uterine wall just on the lining. They took my ovary and tube also, cervix too. I had lost one ovary and tube 3 yrs ago to an endometrioma so I only had one left to take. I don't want to go on any HRT as my mom died of breast cancer. So I'm also looking for those you out there who are managing the fear of Osteoporsis without HRT,, what kinds of things are you doing? I'm not having any menopause symptoms....YET...yeah !!! but It's only been a week. My doc said I may not get any symptoms,, is that true or is he just on drugs??? Is there anyone out there that didn't experience menopause symptoms after full hyster???

Hi Warriors!

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy last June for stage 1a, grade 1 endo cancer -- sounds similar to your diagnosis. My gyn/onc recommended that I not have any HRT because that type of cancer is fed by estrogen.

I've had mild hot flashes, but no other noticeable symptoms. My gyn/onc said that unless my symptoms were severe, I shouldn't need to take anything besides calcium supplements -- 1000 mg per day -- to avoid osteoporosis. At first, the calcium made me constipated, so the pharmacist suggested a different formulation, and I've also increased my fiber intake. Things seem to be... er... moving along nicely now.

Congrats! You've made it through the hardest part! I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.

I had a full hysterectomy 3 months ago & haven't had any menapausal symptoms. I am on megace for cells in wash & dr says this may be helping. They said no HRT.

Hi Warriors,

I'm there too. With the exception of 1 week's estrogen patch following my hysterectomy 3 years ago, I have not had any HRT since surgical menopause. I did have mild hot flashes for about a year. But now, I don't feel ANY discomfort. Of course, my skin and hair are showing the effects of aging and lack of estrogen, as is my vaginal tissue. But I am glad to not have to take any HRT.

Let us know how it goes for you.

I am on weekly Actonel for osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis), but I started that a year before my hysterectomy.

Hi Warriors:

I'm not on HRT either because of my cancer. I still get hot flashes though but I am finding that certain things are triggers and am avoiding them.

Calcium supplements with vitamin D are good for the osteso concern. And vitamin E is good to help control any hot flashes. I use moisturizer for the dry skin and I use a vag cream to help prevent atrohpy and scar tissue.

It is true that many women do not have any menopausal symptoms at all, lucky them.

Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. This is my second go-round with them. The first time when I went through menopause and they had basically gone away, then I had my hyster and they came back.

Hugs.

Warriors,

I haven't had my hysterectomy yet, but it will be a TAH for endometrial cancer. What I can tell you is that I went through menopause very early (32) for some reason that no one can explain. I was on Premarin and Provera for about 14 years, which is scary, and might account for why I'm where I am now.

I quit taking the HRT when those negative studies came out. The hot flashes came back and are with me today at 52. At this point, I'm wondering if they will ever go away. I'm not telling you all of this to make you feel discouraged, but rather, to let you know that even though I'm an extreme case, I don't consider it a major problem in my life. And I'd bet almost anything that you will have much less of this than I've had.

I hope this helps--I truly meant it to.

I am 57 years young and 7 year post menopausal. I had my total hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer. I still had all of my girly parts at the time of the hysterectomy. I cannot do HRT as I am considered at high risk for breast cancer (my sister had breast cancer).

My worst menopausal symptom was hot flashes, which I had from the age of 42 until the age of 54. I found that Clonodine, which is non hormonal and is generally used as blood pressure medication, helped. If you are bothered by hot flashes, you might ask your doctor about it. It gave me dry mouth but I just carried water around.

So far, I have not had any menopausal symptoms since my surgery. My gyn has me taking 1500 mg of calcium per day to strengthen my bones. I have already had a bone scan which was normal.

The oncologist did not say anything to me about going through menopause again so I am hoping I will not. But, having been through it, I have to agree with TechWriter that it is not the worst thing.

I had surgery in August of 2007 and have had no HRT at all. I've also had no hot flashes or mood swings (well, not since recovery from surgery).

I take Calcium with magnesium, Vit. E, Evening Primrose Oil, Vit B complex, a multivitamin, Gingko Bilbao, Ginseng, and Cranberry with Vit. C. My gyn only suggested the Calcium & multi-vitamin. The others are my choice.

My gyn/onc said I could try some Estratest (estrogen with testosterone) for a low libido, but I'm not wanting to take any hormones orally. If I used hormones, I'd want them topical, in a cream or patch. So I'm still considering that option. Libido is present.. just takes longer to kick in.

I had a dexa scan postop and so far my bones are fine. I have slight vaginal dryness, but not bad.

I've learned that if you have adipose (fat) tissue, it sometimes makes it's own estrogen.. that maybe why I'm protected. ::

I am not on any HRT and so far 9 wks today, I have felt okay... Like someone else said... you learn what triggers them.. for me it is wine or any alcohol, spicy food and caffeine. All the things I love. If i eat anything like that I just dress in layers... so far so good...
One thing though, I think I had pretty much gone thru menopause before my surgery, so maybe that made it easier.
For the ladies using vag cream, what do you use.? I will be cleared for everything next week.