hello I am 40 years old and I have just had a hysterectomy due to OC, would you please advise me on whether to take HRT or go for natural

[kathy12345]

alternatives. I would be grateful for any positives or negatives regarding either option. thank you very much

[Hidden]

You don't say whether you have had chemo or not... But either way you should go by the advice of your oncology team... as they know the history of your condition and are the best people to advise.

Best wishes love x G x

[Pimkin81]

Hi

Just wanted to 2nd what Gwyn has said. Your oncology team are the best people to advise - they know the particulars of your case- whether your tumours were estrogen receptive for example. In my case I am only 31 and they said I really had to take something so prescribed a synthetic HRT substitute which seems to be working well!

Hopefully you can get some answers from your oncology team.

Claire

[vipervictoria]

I think both of the above answers are sensible. You have to weigh up the advice you get, do your own research - there's a lot of expertise right here as there is elsewhere on the internet - and then make the decision yourself.

I personally decided against both HRT and natural alternatives - by that, I mean the phyto oestragens that mimic HRT. I do take lots of Omega 3, Evening Primrose oil is something I know nothing about.

Best wishes and welcome to the medical maze, Vxxx

[Hidden]

I had a hysterectomy at 39 and although I didn't want one, I was out of pain. I didn't have any replacement hormone treatment and was glad the menopause was over and done with. My Mum had a difficult change and I was totally spared that. Several years ago, I had a heel scan and my bone density was very good so I was pleased. I have a good diet which is important. I'm sure your oncologist will advise you. Love Tina x x

[Lily-Anne]

I was advised not to take HRT just in case, but to try Black Cohort or Red Clover, it seems from my Macmillan nurse that they are considered suitable alternatives for OC patients. I did buy menopace and took just one, I decided to go with the flow and take the enhanced dairy option to protect my bones.

Ring macmillan the advice is very good.

LA

[ScardyCat40]

I was told by oncology team that HRT was not contraindicated in OC and they wrote a letter to my GP. I then went for a second opinion in Leeds and was told as my cancer was low grade I shouldn't be on HRT as all the evidence for contraindications are based on the high grade disease so I stopped using it. I am currently taking an anti depressant which is supposed to help with the hot flushes but it doesn't really so I am waiting for an appointment at the menopause clinic.

[Whippit]

I was told by my GP not to take HRT but then I didn't feel the symptoms were too intolerable. I think you'd be best advised by your medical team but if you really find it difficult to cope with the night sweats and other things go back to see if there's anything they can do to help.

I always find it really helpful having this forum to discuss things to help with decision-making. Hope you feel you get to the right decision for you.

Love Annie xxx

[kathy12345]

thank you all for replying. I knew it was going to be a research and see kind of question!!! I am leaning more to not taking anything if I can because I just don't want to put any more chemicals in my body. again thanks for your help xx

[sue1212]

Hi Kathy. Just to add that I had my hysterectomy at 41 and also don't take any form of HRT. My doctor hasn't suggested it and I am happy with that, knowing the possibility that my cancer might be oestrogen driven. Luckily my menopausal symptoms are not too severe.

All the best xx