Anti-hormone therapy has relatively few side effects compared to chemotherapy. Nevertheless, various side effects also occur with this form of therapy.
For perimenopause women, the withdrawal of estrogen means that they are suddenly catapulted from “one day to the next” into the menopause and are confronted with the typical symptoms: the absence of the rule, hot flashes, sweating, dry mucous membranes, occasionally sleep disorders, depressive moods and weight gain. Sexuality can also be restricted, the possible loss of pleasure in sex life (loss of lipids) can harm the partnership.
Tamoxifen
Has been known for decades and is well tolerated in women after the menopause (postmenopausal). However, treatment with tamoxifen can lead to blood clotting disorders (thrombosis) and the proliferation of the endometrium (polyps of the lining). If you are being treated with tamoxifen, you should, therefore, have your gynaecologist carry out a vaginal ultrasound twice a year to determine the thickness of the endometrium and contact him immediately if you have irregular bleeding.
Aromatase
They are used in postmenopausal patients and can cause muscle and joint problems and impair fat metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Estrogen deprivation promotes the breakdown of bone substance and thus promotes the increased risk of osteoporosis (bone loss). In addition to exercise and a calcium-rich diet, calcium and vitamin D supplements and bisphosphonate every four to six months are suitable for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
Information About Bisphosphonates
These drugs attach themselves specifically to the bone and inhibit their pathological breakdown. There is also evidence that bisphosphonate administration after initial breast cancer treatment may reduce the risk of bone metastasis, but only in women who have already passed their menopause.
GnRH Analogues
Due to the reduced estrogen level, the symptoms typical of menopause also occur in premenopausal patients. Rarely, intolerance reactions, fluctuations in blood pressure and changes in sugar metabolism are possible. The decrease in bone density can also occur with longer periods of ingestion.
Acupuncture Against the ‘Heat’
Numerous menopausal symptoms can be alleviated by certain medications and herbal substances (such as the silver grape candle, sage) or by acupuncture and yoga. It is best to ask your doctor and/or a naturopath or homeopath. Systemic hormone replacement therapy is strongly discouraged.
Women can breathe easy. Acupuncture provides relief from hot flashes for breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen after an estrogen brake. Acupuncture has two advantages over other hot flash treatments: it is affordable and does not cause harmful side effects.
These research results were presented at the 6th European Breast Cancer Congress in Berlin (EBCC-6). The Norwegian physiotherapist and acupuncturist at Vestfold Central Hospital said at a press conference that hot flashes could be halved in women with breast cancer treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture. This effect applied both during the day and at night and persisted even after the end of acupuncture.
