Home  Breast cancer Hormonal therapy Managing side-effects
|
|
|
One of the reasons some women stop taking their hormonal treatment is because they experience unpleasant side-effects. But it’s important for you to stay on your treatment to help reduce the risk of your breast cancer coming back.
So if you’re experiencing side-effects, make sure you talk about them with your doctor – even if you think they aren’t a big problem. He or she may have some suggestions that could help you feel more comfortable.
As hormonal therapy results in reduced oestrogen levels in the body, the side-effects are similar to the symptoms of the menopause. They include hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, a fall in libido, vaginal dryness and forgetfulness.
What does the menopause have to do with breast cancer?
Many women having menopausal symptoms do not need any treatment, and will cope well with relatively minor inconvenience. Other women benefit from having some or all of their symptoms treated.
Coping with side-effects
Hot flushes and night sweats
Hot flushes are the most common side-effect of hormonal treatment. You should try to identify the “triggers” of your hot flushes – what seems to cause them?
You could try to avoid spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine. Dress in layers that can easily be removed at the start of a flush. When you feel one beginning, have a drink of cold water or juice. Sleep in a cool room, and use sheets and clothing that let your skin breathe.
Talk to your doctor about non-hormonal therapies available, which can include both prescription medications and alternative therapies, such as soy.
Vaginal dryness and loss of libido
Try using a vaginal moisturiser several times a week to treat the dryness, and use lubrication prior to sexual relations.
Discuss things openly with your partner, and remember that stress and fatigue can also affect libido. You may require more time to become aroused. Loss of libido occurs in roughly 50% of post-menopausal women, irrespective of whether or not they have breast cancer. Be creative: vary the time and location of your romantic encounters, and exercise to increase your energy levels.
Joint pain
If you have joint pain, apply mild heat or ice to the painful joint area.
Try to remain active, and consider low-impact exercises such as aqua-fit and swimming. Make sure you stretch before and after exercise. Pace your activities, and allow for rest periods during the day.
If your joint pain continues, use an over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or paracetamol) as required, after consultation with your physician.
Irritability and sleep problems
Try to get as much rest as possible.
If possible, take quick “cat naps” during the day to refresh. Exercise in the morning rather than the evening, and avoid or limit your caffeine intake.
If you have a problem sleeping, talk to your doctor about available sleeping medications that would be suitable for you.
In contrast to a natural menopause, these symptoms tend to come on rather abruptly and be more intense.
You may also experience long-term side effects, such as increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Infertility is also another potential side-effect of preventing oestrogen production. This is caused when the ovaries are removed or destroyed by irradiation or chemotherapy.
If oestrogen production has been stopped using a LHRH analogue, however, infertility may be temporary.
|
|
|
|