Diet and Lifestyle for Women After Breast Cancer Treatment – When HRT is Not an Option
In this blog article, Hormone Health’s Nutritional Therapist, Antonia de Gier shares information about the support available during the tumultuous time following breast cancer treatment for women. Particularly when hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not an option.
A breast cancer diagnosis is a huge shock to a person’s system on every level. Hearing the word “cancer” can spike fear in the most philosophical of people, causing high stress levels which can impact both the immune system and digestive health.
The treatment that follows is invariably surgery which includes anaesthetics, radio and/or chemotherapy, which have a negative effect on the immune system, liver function and psychological wellbeing.
When HRT is not an option
If the breast cancer is oestrogen-fed, then patients will generally be advised to stop any HRT currently taken while treatment is progressing. At post-treatment stage, medication is often advised.
In the cases of perimenopausal women, this tends to be an oestrogen receptor-blocking medication and in the cases of postmenopausal women, full oestrogen blockers.
Symptoms of low oestrogen post-breast cancer treatment
While dealing with diagnosis and treatment, the post-cancer journey can also be difficult and overwhelming, on top of everything else the change in hormone levels can cause many symptoms.
Women are thrust into a rapid hormonal decline, quite often at short notice, by stopping HRT and taking oestrogen blocking medication.
Apart from the obvious ones of:
- low mood
- anxiety
- depression
Many other symptoms can come to the fore due to lack of oestrogen such as:
- brain fog
- hot flushes
- weight gain
- mood swings
- stiff joints and bodily aches and pains
At Hormone Health we are here to help to support those who can no longer take HRT.
Support for women post-breast cancer treatment not able to take HRT
Whether a woman chooses not to take HRT or is unable to take HRT, there is much that can be done to support the menopause transition and indeed helping her on her post-breast cancer journey.
Our medical specialists can work closely with oncologists to help each patient make informed choices about their future. Our nutritional health specialists can help support these changes through diet, lifestyle and supplementation where appropriate.
Food
At Hormone Health we always look recommend looking at the food and diet. There are many areas that can help. Here are some examples:
Balance blood sugar levels to keep energy levels consistent and stress hormones balanced – this is achieved by adding protein to each meal including breakfast (nuts, seeds, eggs, oily fish such as salmon, lean meat and occasional good quality red meat).
Stick to a mediterranean diet where possible – in most research this comes out as the healthiest diet to follow – prioritise fruit, veg, pulses and wholegrains for fibre to help eliminate old circulating hormones, good fats such as nuts and seeds to help hormone balance, a small amount of dairy and protein as mentioned above.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine where possible – both are “nutrient depleters” which can leach important vitamins and minerals from the body and are required for energy, and many systems such as the immune, digestion and hormone production and balancing. It may feel like alcohol and caffeine help relaxation and function, but they only add to stress levels and impact wellbeing.
A specific example of these nutrients are vitamins C and E, both helpful in reducing hot flushes, and can be found in citrus fruits, nuts, seeds and oily fish. These foods can also help reduce inflammation and therefore joint pain and stiffness.
Lifestyle
Be kind to yourself. As mentioned, a diagnosis and treatment can be a huge shock to the system, and it is essential to look after yourself, allow others to help and support, aim for as much sleep as possible and attempt to rest and repair. Friends and family want to help, let them.
Aim for gentle exercise where possible, even a short walk in the park or getting into the fresh air each day can help. The earlier in the day this can be managed the better, catching the morning light can help reset our circadian rhythm, which can have a positive impact on our serotonin levels, our happy hormone.
Take pleasure in small things that we may sometimes take for granted – gestures from family and friends, books, poetry, light-hearted television, nature, trees and the seasons. Our Princess of Wales, an inspiration, is correct, nature is indeed incredibly healing.
Advice about supplements
Even with the best, most organic, “clean” diet, our soil and environment are such that we lack certain important nutrients.
There can be a place for supplements such as probiotics to help restore digestive health after anaesthetics or radio/chemotherapy.
A good multi vitamin and mineral can help rebuild energy levels and the immune system.
Antioxidants are reserved for post-treatment because certain antioxidant supplements are not suitable during breast-cancer treatment. Please contact a health professional who can be in close contact with your oncologist.
How to manage once treatment ends
Often the most difficult time can be once all the treatment has been completed and it is time to “live your life” with new medication.
During treatment there are always appointments, nurses, guidance, and general busyness.
At Hormone Health we have a team who are here to help you. Gynaecologists, GPs, and experts in diet and nutrition.
We can devise a tailor-made programme for your personal situation and guide you through these difficult months. And, most importantly, listen, support, and help you to make informed choices about your future health.
The importance of post-breast cancer treatment support
Ensuring you have the support of a GP, gynaecologist and nutrition expert is crucial for helping you manage your health and lifestyle during this difficult time. Particularly if HRT is not an option for you.
The symptoms you are experiencing due to rapid changes in hormones, particularly oestrogen, can be helped by food, lifestyle changes, and supplements.
At Hormone Health, we are here to support you. Please contact us if you need support and advice about your health, especially if you cannot take HRT.
Meet Antonia de Gier
Antonia de Gier is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, who has trained at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (diploma) and the University of Middlesex (BSc Hons Nutritional Therapy) to understand the latest research in hormone health.
Arrange a complimentary 15-minute nutritional health discovery call with Antonia to find out how she can help you.