Still confused re hrt/testosterone and high risk breast cancer

[Tia74]

Hi there

Won't bore you with my symptoms but def in perimenapause.

But I am in high risk category for breast cancer and still can't see whether it is ok to take on not. I just read that the combined one is worse than just estrogen.

Also as me sex drive left building, is test ok to take too? Am getting levels checked tomo as my 2nd set and then a docs app

Dunno wot to ask for?

I tried herbal stuff but it's not touching sides now

Ta very much

Have you seen your GP about it?

I had breast cancer 6 years ago (early 40s) and have a really strong family history of it. My consultant told me that because of the type of breast cancer I had together with family history I should not use HRT at all. It's crap but at least I know.

I would suggest speaking to your GP (if you can get an appointment!) about it to get more info.

I'm high risk for breast cancer (due to my family history) and my breast consultant was very opposed to me taking HRT. However, my menopause symptoms became so debilitating (the brain fog and fatigue meant I couldn't do my job) that after 18 months, my consultant eventually agreed that it might be worth the risk as my quality of life was so badly affected. It does mean that (for my circumstances) that my breast cancer risk has increased by 4-8%. That hangs over and it wasn't an easy decision to make but I need to work (or I have zero income and there's no-one to bail me out). I have my first mammogram in a few weeks since starting HRT and I'm very nervous.

If you decide to go down the HRT route, it's essential that you minimise your risk as much as possible so that will mean Oestrogel and Utrogestan (or a Mirena coil). I recommend you ask your GP to refer you to the local menopause clinic as you need more specialist advice due to the breast cancer risk. My menopause clinic doctor liaised with my breast specialist as well as a private menopause GP (and my NHS GP).

Just to add that for me HRT was the absolute last resort. I was desperate and couldn't find any other way. It feels like breast cancer has dominated most of my life (all my adult life and much of my childhood) and so it continues.😡

Thank you for your replies.

I am goin to do my bloods and then book gp appointment. Like what you said my situation is more specialised so will ask if they can refer me to clinic

Both mum and aunt had cancer, mum died but luckily my aunt didn't. I have mri and mammograms, did one today, so I feel same, trying to keep away from it, however if I get it I get it.

Check out Liz riordan on instagram she's a surgeon that's had breast cancer twice herself and gives some great advice.

@Tia74 It might be worth you using the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment tool and taking a printed copy along to your appt with your GP / the menopause clinic:

bcrisktool.cancer.gov/

I used this (at a doctor's recommendation) for one of my initial sessions.