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Any risks taking bioidentical hormone injections for cancer patients?
What are the risks of having bio identical injections for cancer patients taking an estrogen blocker? Osteoporosis was diagnosed prior to IDBC. I had a bad reaction to bisphosphonate
and so stopped taking it.
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Why not use a patch ?
@pat9892, there are a few things to unpack in your message.
1. Bioidentical hormones: hormones marketed as "bioidentical" and "natural" aren't safer than hormones used in traditional hormone therapy. And there's no proof that they work any better. See this helpful information from Mayo Clinic experts:
- Bioidentical hormones: Are they safer? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/expert-answers/bioidentical-hormones/faq-20058460
2. Find an osteoporosis medication that is right for you.
There are different types of osteoporosis medications, with different mechanisms of action. If bisphosphonates don't work for you, there are other options. This information might help you to talk about the options with your doctor.
- Osteoporosis treatment: Medications can help https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoporosis/in-depth/osteoporosis-treatment/art-20046869
3. Osteoporosis and cancer medication
You mention that you had osteoporosis before diagnosed with breast cancer. You have estogen positive, invasive ductal carcinoma, right?
When taking cancer treatments that reduce estrogen, it can increase the risk of bone loss.
Were you on Zometa (zoledronic acid injection)? Have you discussed other medication options with your oncologist and endocrinologist?
bioidentical estrogen hormones, including the estradiol patch are antithetical to SERMs in breast cancer patients.
They compete for the same receptors and wouldn't be a safe option for you.
Bisphosphonates are often prescribed for breast cancer survivors because of the risk of metastatic cancer to the bone. Prolia is an alternative, is also prescribed for osteoporosis. For some Prolia is an easy medication; for others a bundle of side effects.
Were you given an oral bisphosphonate or the IV Zometa. Some of the oral bisphosphonate are less strong than others.
Somatic testing of the tumor biopsy can give you a better idea of your risk for recurrence and metastasis, which could influence your medical decision.
I recommend National 1 but there are others, https://www.foundationmedicine.com/solution/foundationone-cdx If you haven't had the biopsy material tested, it's easy. They already have the biopsy material. You only have to request the testing from your oncologist.