What to do about menopause symptoms after breast cancer?

[Babysharkdoodoodood]

I've finished 10 years of aromasin therapy and still all clear. Menopause obviously hit hard straight away after surgery and initial treatment with tamoxifen. Oncologist initially prescribed venlaflaxin but side effects were shite so moved onto gabapentin which lessened the flushes and anxiety.

I'm still hit hard by the flushes, lack of sleep and general brain fog. I've got estradiol pessaries to stop everything drying up.

The cancer was hormone receptive so I can't have hrt. Or so oncologist and gp have told me. But honestly I'm 57 with another 10 years at work. I've had to apply for flexible working to lose a day as I can't cope with a full 6 day week. Currently 3 earlies, 3 lates and 3 off, and asked for the third early off which means losing 16.5% of my pay.

I'm so damned exhausted. Just spent my first day off today, napping, in between laundry and cooking. Got the gym tomorrow and I don't want to go, but I've managed to drop 2 dress sizes (which has helped my energy levels a bit) Ugh. I just want a magic pill. Magnesium and Vit B can only do so much.

Oh, and I have osteoporosis from the aromasin therapy, in my hips and spine.

Double ugh!

Hi, I’m in a similar situation. Tamoxifen for the last 5 years, menopause symptoms kept at bay by citalopram. I too found the side effects on venlaflaxin too much. I’m seriously thinking about taking HRT. I read an article today (DAily Fail unfortunately)which got me thinking about making an appointment with someone who is prepared to work with me on it.

DM article on breast cancer and HRT

Hello! I'm 2 years into Tamoxifen, I'm 52 and was in peri when diagnosed. I've been ok actually, so far, aside from the odd hot flush. I'm interested in this as I wonder whether other symptoms could be dealt with. I do struggle with sleep and a spare tyre I didn't have before and a lot of joint pain. I've tried to deal with all of it via diet and exercise, particularly weight bearing to keep bones and joints strong. I was told no HRT as I also had a hormone positive tumour so I just accepted that. Is there a different way forward?

I'm shamelessly following this, 46 and 3 years down the road with tamoxifen which I've been lucky to tolerate. I was also oestrogen positive so no HRT allowed. I'm happy to stay on tamoxifen but it would be good to know what else would be available to us. Maybe we should ask Davina to look into it?!

I believe the latest doc from Davina had a section about it but I haven't watched it yet. I have been told I can have tamoxifen for 10 years so that will take me to 61. Tolerated it very well. I think I'm going to make an appointment with my onc

I brought it up with my one a year ago, but it was a flat out no. I can't help thinking that this will be handled differently in the future, with more research done. I think the way forward for me is to talk to a menopause specialist.

@dramaqueen yes I know it's an outright no as I've had that conversation but I'm just interested to know if there are alternatives. I agree that there must be people who can take it safely or closely monitored. Indeed I have a couple of BC friends who are taking it closing monitored, as they felt that quality of life was more important than quality. I'd probably be the same but I've got a primary aged child and I'm a lone parent, dad has disappeared. So I'm not in a position to take experimental risks

Don't accept a flat " no" to HRT, if you feel that you want to give it a go, to see if it improves your quantity of life. Ask for a referral to a menopause specialist. They will look at your situation individually and discuss the risks involved.

At the end of the day, you need to decide whether quality of life is important and if this is being compromised by menopause symptoms.

I'm a breast cancer survivor ( hormone receptive tumor) but my symptoms are horrendous and I now take HRT to try and alleviate some of those symptoms. For example, without an adequate supply of systemic Oestrogen, my bladder goes to pot and I'm weeing for England! That's no good.

Best of luck to all.