After being an advocate for HRT and really knowing a lot about it before it even became a thing, I am now in the situation where I cannot take HRT due to early stage breast cancer - I have been on Anastrozole now for about 6 months and I have completely lo

It’s worth exploring whether you can take topical oestrogen via vaginal pessaries or creams. My cancer isn’t oestrogen driven but my consultant seems happy for all BC patients to use them as they don’t put significant amounts of oestrogen into the bloodstream. Whilst they might not help with libido, they will help with dryness / pain. Even if you don’t initially feel like it, your body’s arousal response and ability to reach orgasm will likely still be there. 

I looked into oestrogen cream but it does increase your risk of recurrence if your BC was hormone positive. I have found Balance Active menopause pessaries to be the best for making things feel a little more like normal

As for libido, mine has also dropped but whenever I have sex, I enjoy t, so I think if you can set time aside to get started then you will find you get back into it again.

i have found that I have needed to go through a grieving process for the body and feelings I have lost but that doesn't mean no more fun, it just means learning what works now.

Lozzaob, sorry to hear this. I don’t understand why you cannot have a small dose of Testogel, which would help your libido. I use oestrogen cream, with an oestrogen positive tumour, with the blessing of my surgeon and oncologist. Obviously this only helps the local problems, but helps with the mind set when thinking about sex. Could you research and find a private dr who is a gynaecologist, but specialises is hormone problems, assuming you have the funds. They do prescribe low dose testosterone for ladies with low libido. 
Good luck xx

Thats a good suggestion about a gyno who specialises in hormones - I did used to go see a Menopause Dr so will ask her if she knows anyone - thanks xx

Lozzaob good  luck xx

Liz O'Riordan has a great blog on this unspoken subject. Pain from dryness can definitely lower libido, so maybe some vaginal oestrogen like vagifem? You can try the Stella app - they have personal advisors on there and can offer tips based on your situation too. I think its about finding out what works for you, sex toys perhaps and trying to keep things lubricated down there. The YES creams are organic and available on prescription - they are a useful addition to the topical oestrogen pessaries. 

1. Hi I have had Oestrogen positive breast cancer and I am now back on HRT including Testosterone after having terrible menapause symptoms with quality of life zero. I have been prescribed privately by the Newson Clinic, Stratford upon Avon. I chose this path after a great deal of research however you can just take testosterone for your libido which you can get on the nhs or Androfeme in the form of a cream privately.  There is a lot of information available on the Balance app and Newson Clinic. Good luck.

• Hi, I had a borderline malignant Phyllodes tumour 16 years ago and have been told I definitely can’t take HRT. I am therefore really interested in how effective testosterone has proved to be! I will take a look at the Balance app and the clinic website. Thank you!

My GP is quite happy to prescribe Vagifem even though I had a hormonal b cancer. Also Testosterone was offered by the Newson Clinic without Oestrogen or Progesterone but my symptoms were so bad I have opted for the full set. The Testosterone is taking a while to kick in but I will persevere.

Thank you