Hi. Just received my diagnosis yesterday after being referred for a swelling I had noticed. I got mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies and doc said there and then it’s cancer , it’s tiny and very treatable. Just need to wait for results to find out type. I’m booked in for a lumpectomy at the end of May and she told me to come off my HRT now. I could either wean off it or go cold turkey. Thinking I’ll go cold turkey. Forgot to ask about Spironolactone that I’ve taken for years for PCOS , symptoms were mainly excessive oily skin and excessive hair where I don’t want it.
Does anyone have experience of this and either being able to stay on it or will I need to come off it ?
I’m worried about my menopause symptoms coming flooding back and could do without these additional issues if I can avoid them.
thanks for any advice
Hi Lumpy74 , sorry to hear about your diagnosis, hope you are managing ok. I was diagnosed with hormone positive cancer in October and was also taking spironolactone at that time. I spoke to the consultant who prescribed my spironolactone - as it is hormone related they were concerned. However my oncologist said it was ok for me to take. But I didn’t feel comfortable and I decided not to take it any longer. I am waiting to see my (not cancer) specialist and will discuss alternative treatment then.
So in short you should check with your medical team / breast cancer nurse who will advise you about any medication or supplements you take. I can’t advise re HRT but am sure someone on here will be able to help.
wishing you all the best x
Daughter was in exactly the same position two years ago, when first diagnosed, lumpy74. She was perimenopausal and had only been on HRT for a few months but is was making a massive difference. She had to stop it straight away. The first symptom to return was the tearfulness - no doubt exacerbated by her cancer diagnosis and all that goes with it. She ended up on Citalopram which was very helpful. Her treatment finished 8 weeks ago. She's still on Citalopram but is hoping to reduce the dose and start weaning off it this summer.
So far, no return of hormonal symptoms - or periods.
Good luck with your treatment. xxx
Thank you , the doc did mention citalopram as I’ve just weaned myself off Fluoxetine after about 15 years on that , which was just as well as wouldn’t be able to take that with Tamoxifen the doc said so I’ll def look into alternatives if I’m struggling. My symptoms were mostly brain fog and anxiety so might def need a replacement of some kind. Kinda hoping my menopause symptoms have moved on from 2 years ago and they might not be as bad. Fingers crossed !
good luck to your daughter on the rest of her journey x
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007