Bioidentical hormones and breast cancer

I have had ER+ breast cancer and severe osteoporosis. I would not go near estrogen, bioidentical or not. My feeling is it could wake up or stimulate rogue cells, but ask your oncologist.

There are many other options for treatment of osteoporosis, as I am sure you know!

Thank you, WendyShores!

There are differing opinions about this question with the breast cancer oncologists' community. There are some oncologists who think that HRT is safe for breast cancer survivors many years after the cancer but that is very much a minority opinion. It's one of those areas where there's insufficient research data to suggest that there is no risk, comparable to conflicting studies as to whether soy is a safe food for breast cancer survivors. There are no drugs, yet, for osteoporosis are without very significant side effects so I understand wanting to avoid them if at all possible but I'd be very wary of estrogen or estrogen-mimicking drugs or supplements if I'd had an estrogen-fed cancer in the past.

Maybe you can find an endocrinologist with significant experience in this area to discuss it with. I'd want a top-notch endocrinologist who isn't selling anything as the HRT world has its share of charlatans as part of the "aging well" supplement market. I have a healthy respect for master hormones so would do a lot of research before tweaking the balance.

Thank you so much for your response!

I was on the Bio Identical Hormone Therapy- Wiley Protocol for years; Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone . I always had tender breasts from as far back as I remember. And dense breasts except when breast feeding.
There is insufficient data but somehow I wish I never was on them b/c I think I fed these tumours. I wish I knew for sure. To replace the hormones my body was Lacking during menopause was remarkable - no hot flashes night sweats or insomnia. I mean we die because we don’t have any hormones that give way to illness.
I wish I could go back on them but wouldn’t in a million years . I’m ER +ve, bilateral lumpectomy (lost
Bld Supply ( breasts look disfigured (but hey who cares) the MRI picked up a tumour that the US & Mamm didn’t when I requested to take out a benign biopsied lump. And as well my ONCO scored was high so now I am getting Chemo then radiation then AI’s
Was it worth it ? Dunno Would give
My eye teeth to know if I “Fed” them. Plastic surgeon says uncoils have a fat transfer & areola tat in the future.
Feel so crappy on the 3 chemo drugs. Oh well
Ty for your attention

I had a lumpectomy and partial radiation. I am not going on hormone blockers because of the terrible side effects AND my radiologist said I was a low risk
There’s so much talk about how our bodies need estrogen and i want to go back on HRT even though I was er+, pr+, her2-
But I see mixed messages
If I go on biodentical i feel it would be my best best. The hot flashes. Night sweats and lack of sleep are making it hard to “live” again. All my doctors say the minimal estrogen I was on prior to the breast cancer have nothing to do with my diagnosis yet why is it so hard to get back on!!!????

I would be really nervous about any estrogen after cancer. The treatment drugs get rid of the small amounts produced in the adrenals after menopause. I personally don't think docs can say that a similar small amount of estrogen taken could have no effect. Do you think they were just trying to make you feel better about taking hormones?

Have you consulted with doc about phytoestrogen natural products, like soys, flaxseeds etc? They have estrogen similar effects but very weak.

I was on Vagifem for years before my breast cancer. They told me to stop taking it once diagnosed so I did. Afterwards about 5 months after diagnosis I got cystitis, then 2 UTI's (one of which I was actually passing huge blood clots) and simply put a very unhappy vagina and vulva. Went to the Gyn and she said I could use vaginal estrogen in much smaller doses. So I am using Estradiol cream, and it's ulta low dose and I am not even using the prescribed amount I'm using less. When I was going through menopause and well into my 60's I used 400 mg Indole 3 Carbinol and it was amazing, it totally got rid of my hormone imbalance. For breast cancer survivors they recommend DIM it can give you some mild headaches but some say it's as good as AI's but without the side affects and bonus it alleviates much of what you spoke of. DIM is a more stable version of Indole 3 carbinol. I feel your pain! I had to beg for this estradiol but I'm glad I did! Bonus I had a great checkup with the GYN, she got a great sample from my cervix and all looks good 🙂

I miss my HRT!!!!!
I’m right there with you. I had small er/hr+ cancer/ lumpectomy & 5 radiation treatments 5 months ago and was on low dose HRT for 20 years. I miss my hormones! I am also not taking the hormone blockers either as I was told I was a low risk. The night sweats, sleep problems, mood swings & difference in my skin is driving me and everyone around me crazy. I want my hormones back! I’m thinking of going to a Chinese doctor for help.
I realize the hormones fueled my cancer, but if it took 20 years to be the size of a pea…if I take them again I’ll be in my 90’s by the time I get another slow growing hormone one. It goes against everything you read & the docs are saying so it’s just personal risk I can’t decide on.
Everyone’s journey is so different & I am thankful every day mine was found while it was so small. What to do? I miss my hormones!