Navigating Breast Cancer & Hormone Therapy: Questions for Your Doctor

Question
I am premenopausal with a very early stage breast cancer (node-negative, size 4 mm).  I am considering hormone management with bioidentical hormones as a potential alternative to Tamoxifen (and I'm keeping an open mind on whether to do radiation until I've talked to an oncologist).  I have a list of doctors that offer bioidentical hormone replacement, but have been unable to get meaningful feedback on them from local sources.  Given the above situation, can you suggest questions to ask the doctors that I am considering (either on hormone management or other general questions to ask the oncologist)?

Answer
Carolyn,

There is much to consider with regard to NHRT or bioidentical HRT and breast cancer.  It is generally regarded as contraindicated with any positive progesterone and/or estrogen receptor tumors.  HRT whether natural or synthetic will increase you risk for breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence.  SERMS and drugs like Tamoxifen or other drugs that inhibit aromatization of testosterone, etc. are used to block hormonal effect on cancer cells.  It is generally ill advised to take HRT with history of breast cancer.  If you wish to formal consultation via my telemedicine service you can find out more by viewing my web site at:  www.saleeby.net

I just published a piece on breast cancer and exercise in the American Fitness Magazine Oct/Nov 2007 issue.  I have also written extensively on breast cancer and NHRT as my first wife is a breast cancer survivor.


In good health,


JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net