Hello,
Only my second post as was diagnosed with grade 2 endometrial cancel last week. Now waiting for the MRI and CT scan before total hysterectomy. I don’t think I’ll be able to have HRT after op due to type of cancer and I’m only 49 years old.
I’m so worried about how the surgical menopause will affect me - I’m reading on changes to my diet I can make and also types of medications that are available - but would love you sharing your experiences of this and any tips to navigate this. I know everyone will experience this differently but any advice/shared experience would be much appreciated.
thank you x
Hello Matmar
You are right in thinking that doctors can be reluctant to prescribe HRT after treatment for endometrial cancer. In my case I was told it was not a good idea. However there are other things they can offer if you have symptoms that are troubling you. There are also some natural alternatives but they would need to also be discussed with your doctor.
It also can depend in part on your post op pathology and what it shows. My cancer was positive for oestrogen and progesterone so that rules out HRT- although I would be able to use vaginal oestrogen if needed as much less is absorbed and then only locally.
In my experience although it was something I was worried about, once I had the hysterectomy I was more focussed and relieved that the cancer had been removed. It took a while for my hormones to settle and I did have some sweats and a few hot flushes. I did have a fair amount of anxiety but am not sure whether that was due to the change in hormones or just the shock of the cancer.
Before the cancer was diagnosed I was perimenopausal/menopausal but it was difficult to be sure exactly what stage I was at as I was on the mini pill for several years for perimenopausal heavy bleeding. The pill stopped my periods.
Jane
It is very stressful waiting to get the full picture and to find out what is happening next. We are here though- so do ask anything that would help.
