HRT
A warning for anyone coming off HRT.
After BC diagnosis I was told to stop taking Hormone Replacement Therapy immediately. This resulted in a very sudden and violent onset of menopause symptoms which are still making my life a misery after nearly seven years. I have done a lot of reading on this subject and it seems obvious that HRT (like most drugs) should be weaned off slowly to enable the body to cope with the adjustment. The medics don't warn anyone about this as far as I know.
Hope this helps someone
Comments
Hi Wilfiedog,
Most people coming off HRT would be weaned off slowly but, unfortunately for you, this usually cannot be risked if breast cancer has been diagnosed. HRT has high levels of Oestrogen and if your breast cancer is Estrogen Receptor positive (ie, your cancer thrives in a high oestrogen environment) then it is mostly stopped immediately to prevent the cancer coming back or spreading to other organs.
I was plunged into early menopause when I was diagnosed with invasive BC at age 36. I subsequently had my ovaries removed due to a high risk of Ovarian Cancer and to stop production of Oestrogen feeding my BC. I am also on Arimidex which blocks the tiny bit of Oestrogen manufactured by my adrenal system. As a result, I am also having menopausal problems.
There are things you can do to help you cope with them. Many people find a mild antidepressant reduces the night sweats and hot flushes and also improves their mood. You can also use Vitamin E creams to help with skin dryness. And there are special lubricants to help 'down there'. One important tip I learned about that sensitive issue is that its best to keep active in that department because otherwise the inner dryness and internal tissue atrophy is worse. As one woman said to me 'use it or lose it'!!
For joint pain and to prevent bone deterioration, take supplements like Calcichew D Forte, Glucosamine and do regular weight bearing exercise (like brisk walking).
These are just some suggestion to help, I can't guarantee they will work, sorry!! You are right, they are horrible and a pain in the a$£. But remember they are better than the alternative of BC.... 
Hugs,
Flo.
hi Wilfiedog,
i have never been on hrt but have awful night sweats and hot flushes during the day and a host of other menopausal symptoms that are quite severe such as achy joints, dryness in the nether regions, skin cracking and dry and never before had this problem, i put it down to chemo treatment and was hoping that it would sort itself out but if after 7 years you still have it i dont know if i have much hope, i am only 15 months out and am 36 now, i may try the health food shop to see if they can help, evening primrose is supposed to help but i did not find it any good to be honest.
although stress does make it way worse and i have had a bit of that lately, a glass of water at night does help though and not to rush esp for an occasion. at the end of the day as the old saying goes, what can't be cured must be endured, and there are a lot of us in the same boat.
take care
