Any connection between HRT and CLL ?

[Megellen]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed in 2015 ,treated with FCR in nov2016, all went well considering how it affects some people, I came through well.

So... just wondering if anyone has any opinions on whether starting hrt for menopause, it would exacerbate cll?

[PaulaS Volunteer]

Hi Megellen,

I was waiting to see what other replies you might get on this, but no one's said anything yet, so I'll say my bit (which isn't much I'm afraid).

I asked my haematologist about HRT many years ago, partly in the context of females generally doing better than males in the course of their CLL (and women being less prone to get CLL than men are). He smiled and said he didn't know - maybe it would be helpful, but he himself wouldn't prescribe it for CLL. He said if I asked my GP for it for other reasons, he wouldn't object to that.

I never did ask my GP and I'm well past menopausal age now, but I've sometimes wondered what the results might have been if I had taken HRT. I'm aware that there can be complications with it though, so I guess I'd be a bit wary.

I'll be interested to hear other's views on this.

Best wishes,

Paula

[marcyh]

Hi Megellen,

Is there a reason why you would want to start HRT? In other words, are you troubled with menopause symptoms?

I was already on HRT when I was diagnosed with CLL and my oncologist advised me to go off - not because of exacerbating CLL but because of breast cancer concerns. I went off, suffered incapacitating symptoms and after a year or more a gynecologist put me back on. I was willing to risk the odds of breast cancer. I did get it and again had to go off HRT - 25 years later. If I had it to do again I would do everything possible to avoid starting HRT. I have suspicions that it elongated my menopause.

Marcyh

[Megellen]

I was and have been on hrt before diagnosis and during treatment ,I did mention to my consultant a few times ,and he didn't seem to concerned and being he is a leading light in cll I just went with it and carried on taking it? I just wondered if I wasn't put on ( for the reason of being in menopause and struggled for 2 years , and was nearly suicidal!! I relented and started it)That maybe my cll would have lay dormant for longer?

My local GP didn't seem to concerned and I do understand all the risks that go with taking it , I'm thinking of coming off it soon and see what happens ?

Megellen