Refused HRT because mother had breast cancer

[EvilEdna1]

Just back from the GP. I asked for HRT due to insomnia, night sweats, hot flushes, mood swings. Didn't mention the urge incontinence and vaginal dryness.

He said it is not going to be possible because my mum had breast cancer which she died from. It was discovered when she was 56 and had already spread extensively and she died at a few months later. She had never taken HRT and had menopause without any issues at 45 (my own age).

He sent me for a blood test (in case it is my thyroid or something and printed me off some info about alternatives. The drug alternatives are not something I would take because of the horrible side effects and the natural alternatives I am already taking - the only ones on the list I have not tried are soya and CBT.

I asked whether the fact that my mum smoked, did not exercise much ,was overweight, had a crap diet and I lead a much healthier life made a difference......answer a big fat no.

I know it is not logical but I feel really sad and angry that not only did I lose my mum young (and my Dad but that is another story) but I also can't have a solution to make me feel better at a time in my life when I am dwelling more and more on my own mortality!

Anyone been in a similar situation or have any ideas of a way forward. Even if it is to recommend soya and CBT?

I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering.

However, there are risks with HRT, and the side effects are no better than any of the other drugs you're already rejecting!

I never suffered the range of symptoms that you're experiencing, but I did have hot flushes which were disrupting my life/sleep. For me, I took Boots Menolieve which has Black Cohosh in it, and it helped enormously.

Other things are diet - cutting down on sugar/carbs, alcohol and caffeine also all helped.

My mother also died from breast cancer, which is the reason why I didn't want to go down the HRT route.

I hope that you manage to find something that works for you. One of the sites that's often recommended here is Menopause Matters - there might be something there you could try?

I'm sorry you had this issue with your GP.

Sadly, like many GPs he is wrong in his assessment.

I suggest you see another GP or even pay if need be for one appt with a menopause consultant.

My own consultant regards high risk as 2 first degree family members ( mothers and sisters) with breast cancer before age 40 (in other words , young) as a risk factor to consider. That doesn't mean you can't have HRT.

Your own situation would not be a 'no' from other drs.
There is a comment about family history and BC at the end of this page here from a dr.

menopausedoctor.co.uk/what-is-the-menopause/breast-cancer-hrt/

The thinking now amongst specialists is that HRT ( the estrogen part) does not cause cancer. They think it may promote the growth of a cancer already there (and which may in time grow anyway, with or without estrogen.)

There seems to be a connection between the synthetic progestogens in some types of HRT but there is also a body-identical sort- micronised progesterone - which I have been told is being used by some women who have had breast cancer themselves.

Sadly, most GPs do not have this knowledge and for them it's all black and white.

This is why you will possibly need specialist help.

Ultimately, the choice should be yours because the NICE guidelines say that women and their drs should work in partnership. This means that you should have a say in what you want. Ideally, your GP should support your choice to use HRT, having advised you of a possible risk, and prescribe the safest types available.

If you can fund it, I'd definitely suggest finding a consultant who is an expert in menopause and HRT.

This is a very useful link by consultant Dr Currie and explains what I've said above, more fully.

wwwmenopausematters.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/hrt-and-breast-cancer.html

I am in a similar situation, but my dad had the cancer, which I was told is an even greater risk (I have seen a genetecist) and I was told that I would have been prescribed hrt had i been under 50, though it would have been stopped as soon as I turned 50. Obviously everyone's situation is different and there are different cancers, but it wouldn't hurt to investigate a bit further.

Thanks everyone. The GP rang me this afternoon and said he had discussed my case with another GP and had found out the guidelines had changed and that he had got it wrong....and I can have HRT as long as I check my breasts regularly.

So I am going back after my blood test results but I think I will talk to another GP.

That sounds more hopeful. Do you have annual mammograms? If not it might worth asking.

Hi OP, I am in a very similar position to you. My DM was diagnosed and died in her 50's and I always thought HRT was a no go for me, until I looked into it, including the NICE guidelines and research here.
I went to my gp who also told me that I couldn't have it because of my DM, but she did refer me to the HRT clinic. When I got my referral there the first thing the consultant said there was absolutely no reason why the GP couldn't have prescribed it.
I am now on it and definitely noticing an improvement. I had previously got so exhausted and as a result wasn't doing all the things that would be a protective factor against BC - not exercising, eating poorly - I am now getting my old self back.
Do return to your gp with NICE guidelines if necessary; and/or ask to see a different GP.

Good to hear your update Edna - I spotted that after I posted.

Could you ask your doc
About vagifem - a tiny pessary you take twice a week (although I find you can take
Far fewer and still get good results). It has banished dryness, and although uses hormones, they are only topical.
They won't help with sweats. But I know for me (I know everyone is different), alcohol is a real trigger

long The OP has updated to say her dr has agreed now to HRT :)

Just an update.. the blood test confirmed perimenopause has begun so the Dr slightly reluctantly prescribed me Elleste Duet. Started it yesterday so we shall see if it helps.

Thanks for all your advice.