For those with meningioma - any opinions about using topical estrogen

Posted by cammy2747 @catmurr2747, 3 days ago

I have a 2.8 cm meningioma near my pituitary gland and optic nerve that is currently being monitored as watching and wait. I understand there’s some controversy about the use of oestrogen when you have a meningioma. Some folks think topical oestrogen does not have the same risk.

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jen0404 | @jen0404 | 3 days ago

Hello,

I have a similar meningioma currently, a post-surgical remainder of my original very large temporal lobe.
I am also watch and wait with protocol or proceed with radiation therapy.
I was instructed to avoid estrogen therapy by my neurosurgery team unless necessary due to the research linking meningiomas with other hormonal treatments.

daisyr | @daisyr | 2 days ago

My dr said to not start hormone replacement therapy when I asked him if there’s anything I should not do since I’ve been reading there’s a link. I was worried my past birth control use for 20 years plus two iVF babies could have caused my meningiomas but he said no. I also had severe endometriosis requiring surgery 26 years ago. I read somewhere that meningiomas could be a “sister “ of endometriosis. Please know I do use AI/google too much so could be way off base.

Maryann | @mkoch | 1 day ago

Seems a contradiction for the doctor to say your birth control hormones and and estrogen/progesterone used in the IVF protocol in the past had nothing to do with you developing a meningioma but then telling you not to start hormone replacement therapy now. A radiation oncologist I consulted with said there is some discussion in the medical community regarding estrogen's effect on developing meningiomas. Not a hard fact. Your quality of life is worth something. If you're going through menopause and are really uncomfortable get a second opinion.