Hrt with family history of breast cancer?

[Mitsouko67]

Can I go on hrt? No hot flushes yet but feeling low and irritable.Friends have said it really helps.But I have a strong family history of breast cancer. Feeling rubbish kids demanding , husband clueless and unsympathetic. Help!

It depends. If your relatives had breast cancer after 40 it is not considered genetic. I think that you need a specialist.

I was told by my mum's oncologist not to have HRT, luckily I never needed to.

Mitsouko67

We need more info. What is a 'strong history'?
My consultant seems to count 2 first degree relatives ( mum and sister) with BC before 40 as relevant, other wise not.

Only 5% of BC is hereditary.

Do you fall into the category where you need genetic testing?

It also depends on your own risk profile. Lifestyle is one of the biggest risks, in order of risk

being overweight- increases risk by about 8x
smoking
not taking exercise
drinking 2 units alcohol a day

These are all much higher risks than HRT.

In addition, 5 years of HRT is considered 'safe' and if you are under 50, the risks don't start till you get to 50-ish anyway as you are only topping up what ought to be there.

Thanks all. I am scheduled for genetic testing with my mum in Dec. She had breast cancer twice different types in different breasts. Two maternal aunts also.all in their 60s./ 70s.

I don't smoke or drink. I am overweight and need to take more exercise. I'm 52.

@Mistouko67 You might find this interesting to compare risk factors though of course it isn't about women like you who may have a genetic risk.

Understanding risks HRT

Thanks Jingling some very good reasons there to eat better and exercise more.
I'm going on holidays soon and will get out walking as much as I can. I need to prioritise my health is know.

Think maybe I will manage without hrt. Its more i am feeling low and irritable than suffering hot flushes at this stage anyway.