I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and am having an op this month. I had a hysterectomy in Jan (not cancer related!) so went into surgical menopause and was put on HRT. I hadn’t had any symptoms so wasn’t concerned. Unfortunately, my cancer feeds off of oestrogen so I had to stop taking it in June. The last couple of weeks I have noticed that I am struggling with aching bones and joints. Is there anything I can take to help??
Dear Mellieone67ee19,
My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.
Thank you for reaching out for information about managing aching bones and joints after you stopped taking your HRT when diagnosed with oestrogen receptor positive (ER-positive) breast cancer.
If you started a surgical menopause after your hysterectomy, it is likely that you also had bilateral oophorectomy (both ovaries removed) which would have caused a sudden loss of oestrogen causing the menopause to start. As you shared you started HRT after that but have now been advised to stop it due to your breast cancer being ER-positive.
A surgical menopause can feel much more intense as the hormones drop very suddenly compared to the more gradual hormonal decline of a natural menopause especially in pre-menopausal women.
Symptoms such as aching bones and joints are common during menopause - up to six in ten women experience it. There are a few possible reasons why this happens.
Oestrogen helps to reduce inflammation and friction in our joints. It can also reduce stiffness in tendons and ligaments, which are the tissues that make up our joints. Studies have shown that there’s often a decrease in muscle mass during menopause and this loss of muscle is linked to hormonal changes. Low oestrogen levels can also weaken muscle and bone.
It's important that you speak to your GP about your symptoms as they can support you with medication to help ease the pain and also suggest lifestyle changes that might help such as low-impact exercise, strength training, diet and a referral for physiotherapy.
Although you haven’t mentioned it, some women with ER-positive breast cancer are prescribed hormonal therapy and some of these drugs have the possible side effect of muscle or joint pain. If you are on hormonal therapy, please speak with your breast care team about your symptoms as sometimes they can change your medication to try and improve your symptoms.
If you have any other menopausal symptoms that are impacting on your life, please speak to your GP as they may be able to help or can refer you to a doctor more specialized in managing menopausal symptoms.
You may like to explore our very active breast cancer forums for peer support.
Perhaps you would like to phone us on 0808 808 0000 or email us so we support you further.
Take care.
Liz
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref LZD/SP
