HRT with cancer/ previous DVT

[Qwertybee]

Hi all,

Im 46 and struggling with what I think is perimenopause. My anxiety is through the roof and I’m struggling with work stress and juggling life/ parenting. Brain fog, loss of any enjoyment in life, and broken sleep.

Ive got a slow growing cancer that is not affecting me just now and have previously had a DVT. Is there no hope or chance of HRT for me? I’ve tried to speak with GP about being perimenopausal when I was 44 but as I didn’t have aches and hot flashes they told me it wasn’t that. I still don’t suffer from either so I’m not sure if it’s just the new me😆.

My Gp was very reluctant as my mum had breast cancer. Even though everything I’ve read suggests the risk is low. I did get patches after three visits, I’m 47.

With you having cancer i think you need more specialist advise, I’d either go private or ask for a referral via your GP. Now you are over 45 your GP is more likely to acknowledge its peri.

Are you able to say which cancer? Are you on treatment and is it curable?

HRT is not usually a contraindication for cancer unless it's breast and even then some women do use HRT once they're been treated.

Have you researched your cancer and HRT? Is there a charity helpline you can call?

If the DVT was years ago, it often 'doesn't count' now especially as most HRT now is transdermal (through the skin) and doesn't increase anyone's existing clot-risk.

I agree that you need a specialist and you may have to pay for one, as this won't be a priority for the NHS and in any case you could have a long wait . Also you can't choose who you see. Not all gynaecologists are HRT experts.

Can't comment on the cancer - you'd probably need to speak to your oncologist about that but for most types of cancer it shouldn't be an issue.

I've had a DVT (as a result of cancer/chemo) and was started on hrt as soon as I finished cancer treatment. Transdermal patches are deemed to be the safest. It was explained to me that whilst there was no concrete proof that they are not a factor in blood clots, there's no evidence to suggest they are. I've been on the hrt (which I started around two months post DVT) for a couple of years now with no issues.

Thanks both. I will need to see if there is a menopause specialist in my area.

I have a type of blood cancer which is incurable but no treatment required just now, thankfully. No history of breast cancer in the family but I may be at higher risk of other cancers now because of my diagnosis.

I've never seen anything about blood cancer being a contraindication for HRT.

HRT only replaces your own hormones with the same molecular structure - it's not synthetic (they are the old types) and I'd assume shouldn't do any harm (not a dr so do your own research!)

Is there a blood cancer charity? Some have nurses on helplines that are useful.

Thanks again everyone, that’s really helpful information.

There may be some hope of being considered for HRT then 🤞.