BC treatment and sex life help, please!

[SnakesForPM]

I'm having chemotherapy for BC, which has put me into menopause. My libido and ability to orgasm has been affected, but there doesn't seem to be anything I can take which is deemed safe for me (even 'natural' supplements). My cancer is 5/8 oestrogen sensitive, so not very high but high enough that I'd be advised not to take anything which potentially raises oestrogen. I understand why, but can't believe this is how I am going to be left forever. I'm only 42 😭

look into what Dr Liz O’Riordan recommends, she’s a doctor who’s had BC three times I think herself and has several books on the subject. She definitely approaches sex within cancer treatment.
Ps I was the same age as you when diagnosed and haven’t taken any supplements for libido, it does come back!

Thank you, that is good to know! Did your periods come back after chemo? I think the problem is the menopause, which I would take HRT for if I could. Im just not sure how to raise libido without oestrogen. I'll look at you r recommendation, thank you

Morning @SnakesForPM ,

I finished chemo in January and still haven’t found my libido 🤦🏻‍♀️ I have no advice but just wanted to reassure you that it’s apparently very normal.
I think it’s a combination of early menopause, medication and fatigue?
I’ve just turned 45 and not had a period since November and my oncologist said that they may or may not return!
Hope you aren’t finding your treatment too brutal x

Thanks for replying. That's helpful to know. Are you on tamoxifen? I'm undecided about whether to take it or not after chemo and radiotherapy. I used to love sex, it just feels such a shame! Are you just waiting to see what happens?

Yes, I started Tamoxifen two weeks ago and literally about to start Abemaciclib tomorrow.
Oh me too! Sorry, if this is TMI, but I’ve found that once my OH initiates it I normally love it, but just don’t have the inclination if he doesn’t initiate…
Thinking about it, my libido is probably coming back, albeit slowly, since finishing chemo so will just go with the flow for now.