Collagen supplements and Breast Cancer: Is it safe?

I'm sorry you’re going through this. I'm wondering why you're on tamoxifen versus Anastrazole? It's my understanding that Tamoxifen is for pre menopausal women and it has a lot more side effects .
I hope I'm not being rude in asking you this. My heart hurts for everyone using this blog and I hope we can help each other.

For those interested in something to assist with thinning hair.

I also have a severe problem with hair loss. I had chemo and loss all hair and have been taking Letrozole for 7 years and will continue another three years which also contributes to thinning hair. I recently had my Ferritin checked. That is your iron store. The iron/hemoglobin can be fine and the Ferritin low. It is not normally checked so you might need to ask for the test. It is an easy blood test. Solution is over the counter iron tablet along with a vitamin c tablet to assist absorption. Ferritin was 6 when I started taking iron. Does not take long for it to improve.

Below is some info that I found. A ferritin level below 50 for most women is an indication that supplementation is needed. Increasing ferritin levels to 70 or higher nanograms per milliliter for at least 3 months has shown to be beneficial for hair loss as a result of iron deficiency.

It is hypothesized that the reason ferritin levels need to be up significantly before hair loss stops and regrowth occurs, is because the ferritin in your hair follicle is one of the last places the body is concerned about replenishing. Reduced ferritin in the hair follicle weaken the hair itself and lead to hair loss. Just be sure to also consume enough protein to maintain the infrastructure needed for vibrant hair.

Another option to consider is minoxidil 2.5mg tablet daily. My oncologist prescribed it. It is the product that is in Rogaine but in a tablet form so easier to use than the foam/liquid. It is not an overnight cure. I have read it could take a year. My hair is thicker.

My best to all the women suffering with hair loss and thinning hair.

Checked opinions from 2 doctors and both agreed on tamoxifen - I guess several factors were there ... Estrogen positive - as a main . Please - YOU ARE NOT RUDE ! We are all in this group for the same reason - to help each other, to share experiences .... Sometimes I am taking breaks from it because it's still overwhelming... My heart hurts for EVERYONE in this group as well ! Wishing all of us good health ! 🙏🏻❤️

Thank you very much for provided info . Very informative. My oncologist suggested Keranique ( 2% Minoxidil Topical Solution ). When I asked about some pills , supplements she was not in favor of suggesting any . Can't really find definite answers about any supplements if safe to take while on Tamoxifen and looks like my oncologist does not have any opinion on that. Maybe I should look for another doctor (oncologist) because current one is not really helpful .
Thank you VERY VERY MUCH !

My last blood work shows low iron but when asked oncologist she said I don't need any supplements . I need to find better option for medical oncologist for sure ! My best to you and all women in this group !

My oncologist also wasn’t too helpful. I guess that I did have regrowth after chemo was the important factor, not how much or how much loss I’m having on the ai therapy. Dermatologist suggested 5% topical minoxidil once daily. Not oral minoxidil because of side effects (blood pressure) and that could cause you to grow hair “all over” - mustache, chin hairs,etc. used it for 5 months and noticed no difference and hated the greasy, stiff feeling to my hair from application. As to oral supplements, he said Viviscal doesn’t really work and Nutrafol could but would need to get oncologist approval because it’s plant sterols. Of course, oncologist did check into it for me. Found out it does stimulate estrogen so it’s not recommended. Researched a lot of the otc topicals and for the most part it seems to depend on the individual reaction - some work great for some people, not so great for others - all trial and error.

Thank you very much for your message ! I rather not take any additional medication for the thinning hair. However I wish natural remedies like collagen and other vitamins / supplements were ok for me to take without thinking about interaction etc.

My friend swears by MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) supplements. Sulphur supports in making collagen and glucosamine. Her hair has grown back full and she said other women also. It may be worth checking into with your oncologist.

Thank you for this post. I find this really scary. I ordered collagen supplements on a subscription service and whilst waiting for them to be delivered, I researched the affects that it had on sperm and fertility as my partner was going to take them with me. Luckily I came across the studies linking to breast cancer and I am completely freaked out and I can’t believe something is being so peddled out to women that can be so dangerous! I am so thankful I checked and so thankful I came across this forum

@susan7656 Hi, It "s interesting to read your article. I had dense breasts, Also used collage for many years. In Aug. 2024 I was diagnosed left side breast cancer and in Nov 2024 I had a mastectomy. I was 68 year old. I didn't request a reconstruction. My Onco Score was 22. No chemo needed. My tumor was ER+PR+Her2- . I am on Letrozole for 5 year.
I quit taking the collagen after the diagnosis. Now I am taking Naked Whey Protein and AlgaeCal approved by my oncologist. Sometime I blame myself that I should do more research with collagen. But most of the time. I don't feel sorry for taking it. There is no evidence to prove the collagen can cause the cancer.