In the past, because early studies had shown no harm, doctors have offered estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) after breast cancer treatment to women who no longer have a uterus and are suffering from severe menopausal symptoms. However, in early 2004, a well-designed study (the HABITS study) was stopped early and the results published, because it found that breast cancer survivors taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were much more likely to develop a new or recurrent breast cancer than were women who were not taking the hormones.
For this reason, most doctors now feel that women treated for breast cancer should not take HRT. Similarly, most doctors now feel that women treated for breast cancer and who do not have a uterus should not take ERT.
Women should consider having a discussion with their doctors about alternatives to ERT pills to help with specific menopausal symptoms. Although the subject of phytoestrogens (estrogen-like substances from certain plant sources such as soy products) is still hotly debated in the medical community, many healthcare professionals believe that phytoestrogens are an effective and safe alternative for managing menopausal symptoms.
One way to approach the problem is to look at the menopausal symptoms that are making you uncomfortable — hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, and/or weight gain. There are some wonderfully effective nonhormonal treatments available. Herbs and dietary changes can go a long way to reducing these symptoms without tinkering with your body’s hormonal balance.
Find an integrative healthcare professional to help you and your oncologist explore these nonhormonal approaches. Integrative medicine uses both traditional and alternative treatments to heal the body.
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