What are side effects of breast cancer hormone therapy?

Question

Hello doctor,

My sister, who is 45, was recently diagnosed with stage two breast cancer that is ER-positive. The oncologist has recommended hormonal therapy for five to 10 years following surgery. We are feeling very confused about the potential side effects. Will she go into early menopause? Will she be able to continue working during treatment? She is a teacher and does not want to quit her job. We are also concerned about the commonly mentioned side effects like hot flashes and bone problems; how severe are they? Are there effective ways to manage them? We are looking for some honest advice about what to expect moving forward.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Breast cancer stage 2, ER-positive, is treated by breast-conserving surgery BCS (lumpectomy or partial or total mastectomy). Lymph nodes are checked by biopsy. This should be followed by hormonal therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence, so it helps people to live longer.

Side effects of hormone therapy include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, weight gain, loss of interest in sex, premenopausal-induced symptoms, and hot flashes. Most side effects go away on their own or can be treated. Report the side effects she faces to her health provider team as if they are severe; the doctor may readjust the hormone therapy.

Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor or one followed by the other are the hormone therapy line of choice above the age of 40. Hormone therapy-induced menopause can occur temporarily or permanently, especially if given to women around the age of menopause (your sister is 45). Symptoms will be similar or more severe than those appearing with natural menopause.

Hot flashes usually get as the body gets used to the treatment. She can manage this by taking hormone therapy drugs at night. If they are worse at night, take the drugs in the morning.

Check with the doctor before taking herbal products because some may have hormone properties that can affect hormone-related cancer.

Avoid eating deep-fried food, margarine, non-dairy creamers, packed cookies and crackers, pies, pastries, processed snacks, red meat, and birth control pills. Eat low-fat nuts, fruit such as peaches, apples, pears, and grapes, and dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, chicken, and fish.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.