Anyone prescribed HRT after referral for a family history of breast cancer

[birdling]

I went to ask my GP for HRT. Because both my mum and my aunt (her sister) have had breast cancer, the GP referred me to the family history people to see if I can be prescribed HRT or not.
Has anyone had this situation and still been allowed to have it? If so, did they do anything differently?

Just out of interest, have they checked for brca gene mutations?

My mum had breast cancer. My GP made noise about history but didn’t want to refer me to a specialist. I pointed out that my mum developed bc in her mid sixties and went through menopause in her late thirties. She was also a heavier smoker and drinker and a few years later was diagnosed with lung and oesophageal cancers (all firsts)

They did let me have patches which are apparently lower risk than tablets.

I’ve found a gp who will prescribe it. Took trying a few before one agreed.

I was told it would be too risky to have HRT because of family history. It was mostly ok but I got v anxious at one point. I seem to be the only one of my friend who doesn’t have it.

I am prescribed by my GP but there was some chat about limiting it as my mum had BC age 59. But she’s the only one in my family. With 2 close relatives it might be different.

Yes, I take HRT and have a family history of breast cancer (including my mum getting it in her 30s and eventually dying from it at age 51). I have been under the care of the breast cancer family history clinic at Barts for approx 20 years (having annual mammograms etc since age 30). My GP referred me to the menopause clinic at Barts when I wanted to try HRT (as the symptoms I had were crippling). Both clinics liaised with each other (the family history clinic were anti me taking HRT) but the final decision was left to me. I was willing to accept the slightly increased risk from taking HRT because my peri-menopause was so bad. I’ve been taking HRT for 2 years now with no problems, and have annual checks with both clinics.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, why did your GP only refer you to the family history clinic now @birdling? Why not before?

I've only filled out a basic questionnaire so far.

I don't think they knew.

Thank you for your insights everyone. 😊

How old were they?

My mother was over 75 when she was diagnosed so I was told it didn't count and HRT was fine for me.

52 and 59, so not the same unfortunately.

Their ages take you OUT of the high risk category as that is when first degree relatives were under diagnosed under 50. So that’s actually good news and also explains why you’ve never been referred to the breast cancer family history until you asked your GP for HRT. GPs are usually cautious and will refer if there’s any history of breast cancer in the family and let the ‘experts’ review further.

I was referred to the family history people. They were lovely and talked through risks and signed me up for early mammograms and advised the best HRT to use when necessary. My GP took their advice and I have been referred to gynaecology then discharged when a small issue came up whilst on HRT.
I had several female relatives diagnosed in their 50s, including a close one who died of breast cancer in her 50s. There was no data for them to use for the genetic test.
I’ve been taking HRT for several years with no problems.
I’ve just found my history and the referral an extra level of protection so they could look after me well.