Did Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatment For Breast Cancer. Having Hot Flashes, Psoriasis And Fatigue. Advice

Posted on Tue, 29 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 Answered on

Wed, 20 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Since chemotherapy and radiation treatment and tamoxifen for breast cancer 10 years ago I still suffer from severe hot flashes, psoriasis, and fatigue. I try to follow a Pitta pacifying diet and lifestyle but it doesn't seem to help. Do you have any advice please. Many thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Manjunath L Ramarajapalli (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: start HRT and increase thyroxin dose Detailed Answer: Hello, Your hot flashes and other problems may be due to estrogen hormone deficiency (produced by ovaries).Other symptoms like fatigue,chronic constipation could be due to hypothyroidism to some extent. I would start HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and observe for symptom relief. Your local gynecologist will know about HRT. You can discuss the dose, type of drug and side effects of HRT as per local availability of the drugs. Also please check whether your thyroxin dose has to be increased for optimizing hypothyroid correction. You can check your TSH level and titrate thyroxin dose accordingly. Hope by this action you get relief from symptoms. Let me know if you need clarifications. With best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Manjunath L Ramarajapalli (21 hours later)

Dear Dr. Ramarajapalli, Thank you for you advice. It is very helpful. I do have one question if I may ask. Since I had estrogen positive breast cancer in 2000, is it ok to take estrogen now to relieve my hot flashes? Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Manjunath L Ramarajapalli (26 hours later)

Brief Answer: add progestins from date 1 to date 14 every month Detailed Answer: Hello, There is some controversy in starting HRT for patients who suffered from breast cancer.But the benefits of HRT are more than the risks.The action of estrogens are countered by adding progestins for few days. Our practice is give estrogens continuously and add progestins from date 1 to date 14 (total 14 days in a month) of every month.Please discuss with your local doctor about all this before starting HRT. Good luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad