Question 87
I AM 29 YEARS OLD AND HAD A COMPLETE HYSTERECTOMY THREE WEEKS AGO. I'M VERY SCARED ABOUT BEING ON ESTROGEN PATCHES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. I HAVE A LARGE HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER IN MY FAMILY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Reply:
If what you are saying is that you no longer have ovaries, there is little doubt that the hormone deficiency state that you are now in will effect your quality of life and longevity. There is quite a difference between a natural menopause at age 50 and a surgically induced menopause by removal of the ovaries at age 29. In addition, women with a positive family history of breast cancer fall into 2 groups; women whose families by chance have an unfortunate clustering of cases and those who have an inherited genetic defect. The first group has no increased risk and the group with an inherited genetic defect has no further risk than they already have by the use of HRT. In any event, I would discuss these issues with your doctor as well as testing for a genetic abnormality that increases breast cancer risk is indicated for you. If you are found to have an inherited increased risk of breast cancer your doctor may have additional options for you to consider.
I would also read as much of the web site that addresses hysterectomy and hormone deficiency and the Menopause News Clip about the computer program that assesses breast cancer risk as this will provide additional insight.
Dr N
www.drn4u.com