Is Sage ok to take with Oestrogen receptive breast cancer ?

I asked this at start of my treatment and the nurse checked with doctor and I was told yes as long as its tablet not liquid....so I have carried on. obvs best to wait to hear from your own team . hot flushes are horrible mine were really bad after stopping hrt but settled down now to about 4 or 5 in a day and a couple during the night

Thank you hev999, that’s very reassuring to here that yours have settled down.cCan I ask how long you’ve been taking Sage for? Also have you noticed any improvement in your memory? I read it’s supposed to help and really hoping it does, as mine seems to be awful since coming off HRT and going through Breast cancer.

Thanks for taking the time to reply : ) 

Hi, I was looking yesterday at exactly the same and noticed a site advised you not to take it. I also looked at black cohosh. Is anyone taking that? My night time sweats are bothering me.

TBH my memory is ok as far as I know ha ha but it was for the hot flushes mainly that I went on them originally, I had read someone's post on here that their bcn advised to try the tablet form. I can't say either way if they helped or not or if My  body has just got used to  less oestrogen now.

don't want to stop taking them to find out! I bought them online.  where are you at with your  treatment. I'm half way through 8 cycles. bit of a slog . Have managed to work from home  reduced hours, just about.  

Hi Mummy.M,

ive been told in the past when I went on HRT to stay away from Black cohosh, as the dosages are not standardised and can lead to organ damage ( can’t remember which one sorry)

I meant to say my gynoaecologoist put me on oxybutunin , it’s primarily a medication for urinary incontinence but trials were done on women with hot flushes and found to help reduce frequency and severity. I’ve been on it since Christmas time, started on 2.5mg and built up to 10mg slow release. It’s definitely reduced frequency and has helped with night ones. I sleep a lot better!

hope your oncologist says you can take it.

we’re all doing amazing to get through all these symptoms! Big hugs : )

My oncologist told me to take sage for my hot flushes and I do think it helps. Now I’m worried if I should be taking it! 

Hi Phonzie, Aw please don’t worry, I think your oncologist will know best! I’m waiting for mine to get back to me so was interested in hearing other people’s experience. Good to hear it helps! : ) 

Be interested to see what your oncologist says. Keep me posted. 

My BCN recommended it to me and I think it did help a bit though I am off it now.

You need to avoid Spanish sage as that is a phytoesytogen, but you'll be able to tell from the label and a bit of a Google search on their Latin namea.

As others have said, avoid the tincture - it has more of a toxin in it.

Although I took sage to get me through the worst of the flushes, I just wasn't sure about it due to mixed messages on whether safe. I think it's probably fine for a few months. 

Hi Beatthebreast,

Thank you for the warning about Spanish Sage! I’m curious to know how long you took it for ? When you came off it, did the frequency of your flushes go any worse?

Also it mentions it helps with memory, did you find it useful for that?

Thanks so much for your reply, it’s so helpful to learn from others who’ve gone before.