Progesterone Cream vs. Tamoxifen?

By Maz Thursday, November 29, 2007

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Hi, I just wanted to share an event that has taken me totally by surprise and one that I am quite happy about.

I am now only three weeks since finishing all my treatment for breast cancer recovery (chemo and radiation). I have made the decision not to take Tamoxifen for different reasons (much to doctors disagreement) but to continue my recovery with all things naturally.

Just last week I had a visit to my oncologist to discuss Tamoxifen and was told that if I wanted to live at least five years I should be taking it. Well quite honestly I was not happy with that. I want 30 years. He was at no time open to discussing other remedies like the Progesterone Cream I have been using now for 2 months. My understanding of Progesterone is that it is the mother of all the hormones and helps to balance all other hormones (my cancer was estrogen +) and if your hormones are in proper balance then you are most likely to be a well person and able to fight all kinds of dis-eases.

Anyway, I have been using this cream and feel fantastic. My oncologist was not receptive to it at all (because it is natural). I might add here that I am 48 years of age and chemo put me into "menopause" and my oncologist told me that only 2% of women return to menstration following chemo and for a woman of my age, doubted it at all. He also mentioned that usually it had be known that women if they were going to return to menstration it would probably take 2 years for that to happen.

Well here I am only 9 weeks since my chemotherapy finished and yes, you guessed it, my cycle returned just as normal as it was 10 months ago before this whole journey began. For me I was dancing a jig, because that meant my body was recovery extremely well from all the chemicals my body has been subjected to with my treatment.

When I rang my oncologist he was "flabagasted" saying this was extremely rare. I mentioned to him that I believed it was because I was using the progesterone cream which balances all of your hormones and gets things working properly again. He couldn't comment.

So I would like to know if anyone out there has experienced the same return of menstration in such a short period of time. and also if anyone out there is perhaps interested in trying this product, please let me know. I can send you to a website with all the information and you can make up your own mind. For me, I am going to do as much as I can naturally, it can only be good for you.

Have a fabulous day. Laugh lots, hug heaps and spread good cheer where ever you go.

Maz.

Breast Cancer "Breakthroughs": What Should I Believe?

Comments (28) | Add comment

Maria Gifford, Editor

11/30/07 12:15pm

Hello Maz,

Welcome to our community.

Your story is a reminder of the long-standing question between natural vs. not, one that many of us grapple with each day. Your experience with progesterone cream is interesting. Keep us posted on this.

Aside from medical treatment options, you approach to taking your life in your own hands is wonderful - good for you. I think sometimes we don't follow our gut instincts nearly as much as we should. It's important to feel good about the choices you make for yourself - that's key.

Write again soon. Thanks for sharing all you have with us.

Best,

Maria

Maz Franz

11/30/07 4:00pm

Hi Maria

Thanks for making me feel welcome. I love this website and find it filled with loads of information. Thank you for sharing too.

Have a great day, laugh lots, hug heaps and spread good cheer.

Maz

Anonymous

7/11/08 3:57am

http://www.all-natural.com/tamox.html

Anonymous

8/ 3/08 9:38pm

Hi Maz

When I read your letter, I thought I was reading a letter that I had written about my cancer journey. I have finished chemo, lumpectomy, and radiation and now facing the use of tamoxifen for the next 5 years. I really am against taking this drug for many reasons, but I am unable to find a doctor that will discuss the alternative of balancing hormones and fighting this disease naturally. I feel if my hormones had been in balance, I may never had gotten breast cancer.

My periods were sparce prior to knowing I had cancer but yet I was still having them. Now I have been finished with chemo 3 months and have not had a period but am having menstrual cramps. I am 49 years old. My cancer is 99% estrogen positive. Please send me any information you have about natural hormones and any doctor information that will lead me in your same direction. Thank you. Congratulations on your recovery!

INmom

9/ 6/08 4:22am

Please keep me updated on how you are doing. do you know others who have gone the "natural" route and are cancer free for years now? I need some encouragement! I am currently doing chemo, but am very afraid of the tamoxifen and have done a lot of research on balancing my hormones and agree with the progesterone cream theory. I just need to see some others who have had long-term good results. any info is appreciated.

thank

janet

9/11/08 2:44pm

Hi, I am 27 with ER+ BC, just had a mascetomy; now about to start on tamoxifen

My Mom is against it, advises me to use a progesterone cream, instead

Please let me know how your regimen worked out!

9/12/08 4:25pm

I am 45 and my Oncologist wants me to start Tamoxifen. I had estrogen sensitive breast cancer in 2005, with only surgery for western treatment. I completely changed my diet, lost 40 pounds that I didn't need, lost my allergies and digestive troubles, and have felt GREAT.

However, I do have a few nodes near my collar bone that just won't give up-- they have been there since the original surgery / CT. One got inflamed last year, was removed, and showed positive for cancer. I saw every regular MD around to try to get the others surgically removed, or zapped with targeted (not broad) radiation, but no help was found, even at City of Hope. Chemo was suggested, but the doctors said they were "too big" to completely dissolve, and it may not work at all ("show any response"), so I said, then What For? Eventho I am considered Stage IV now (seems I always was) I am the healthiest, strongest woman I know-- except for this damn spot of cancer-- I couldn't see blowing that with chemo for so little encouragement in favor of it. "Quality of Life" is all they talk about, and I have it in spades. Note: My CT has always been clear, except for those nodes. I tried Progest. cream for 4 months a couple years ago, but was not taking it in the correct dosage for my type of troubles; I was attempting treatment on my own.

I have restarted Progest., instead of Tam., yes to the chagrin of my oncologist, but in the correct (higher) dose this time, as recommended by my new D.O. In one month, the area with the nodes has calmed down to where I have no more pain (it was creating terrible pressure and pain in my shoulder, so bad I couldn't reach my arm behind me) and have experienced no side effects, except breast tenderness, which is said will stop in another month or two as I adjust to Progest. Suggestion: Be sure you get natural progesterone cream, not artificial progestin.

I wish you all the BEST! k.

MandaKim

1/22/09 8:53pm

I finished b/c treatment in April 2008. Choosing not to take Tamoxifen. Trying to find

natural ways to block estrogen. Taking DIM, trying to lose weight,exercising, taking

flaxseed and cottage cheese mixture. My cancer was estrogen and progesterone positive. So confused about subject of balancing hormones. Anyone else progesterone positive also? Does this mean I shouldnt use progesterone cream?

Thanks!

Tanya

2/16/10 12:51pm

Pettle Alvin Dr

www.drpettle.com3910 Bathurst Street
North York, ON M3H 5Z3
(416) 633-4101

Hui Fred Dr

www.drhui.com421 Bloor Street East
Toronto, ON M4W 3T1
(416) 920-4200

Hi there,

I know two places in toronto where you can seek advice about natural chormons.

There is good and bad estrogen and also good and bad progesterone.

Good luck

jennifer

9/26/11 2:15pm

I am scared out of my mind, after a hysterectomy a year ago, my body is again produing too much estrogen...I take Aromasin daily, how does Progesterone play into this? I have heard that it will help balance the estrogen that is there so it does not cause a recourance, but my oncologist says he has never seen this before...Im so confused. Im looking into an endocrinologist for thyroid and adrenal functions...hope they can help but will take months to get in...Ive heard the cancer could come back meantime...any words of

wisdom?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

9/26/11 6:48pm

Jennifer, how do you know your body is producing too much estrogen? With a hysterectomy, your production should be way down; and with aromasin, it should be reduced further still, due to your body's inability to convert androgen to estrogen. Could you clarify how you discovered your estrogen level is too high?

It sounds like you might not trust your oncologist to be making the best decisions about your treatment. Perhaps you need to get a second opinion, and/or a new oncologist. It's totally OK - in fact, it's desirable - to research your own condition, but sometimes a little bit of information just isn't helpful - and it sounds like this is where you are with progesterone. There's no scientific evidence that progesterone helps lower your risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, it's up to you whether or not you choose to believe some of the anecdotal evidence you read online...

Perhaps a second opinion would help lower your stress level and clear uop your confusion? Take care- PJH

Dutch

10/11/09 4:28am

I finished my chemo four months ago and am both estrogen and progesterone positive - have been told to go on Arimidex by both oncologist and my gp. resisting like mad as the side effects seem to be up there with what I went through with chemo. Read Dr. Lee's book regarding using Progesterone cream but now am getting nervous about using.

Has anyone have any advise?

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

10/13/09 10:05am

Ask your doctor about the progesterone cream - that's my advice. S/he should be able to direct you here. As for the Arimidex, I've been on it 4 1/2 years and don't find the side effects even close to those of chemo. Bone density loss is the most serious; aches and pains are the most bothersome; but none of it is a show-stopper, in my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide - PJH

tsmmimi

11/19/09 12:03am

I would like the website. I am a breast cancer survivor. 54 years old finished radiation last Dec. with lumpectomy. I take tamoxifen and the hot flashes were wicked before, now they are hardly bearable. If I thought that this cream would ba an answer for me it would bea wonderful end to suffering and embarrassment. Thanks---

dannir

11/ 3/10 12:16pm

I recently took myself off of Famara and Lupron shots due to the side effects and am very interested in progesterone cream to treat Est + breast cancer. Please send me any info you have. I am currently just using Indole 3 Carbinol, but it's not enough.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/ 3/10 3:53pm

Progesterone cream wouldn't help your ER+ breast cancer, and it might increase your risk of recurrence. Please ask your oncologist about taking tamoxifen as a replacement for the Lupron and Femara you were on... PJH

dannir

11/ 4/10 3:43pm

Tamoxifen is out of the question for me. I really don't feel like trading one cancer for another. Tamoxifen is horrible. I have spoken with many and read many articles that support the use of progesterone cream with Estrgen + breast cancer. Thank you for the suggestion, but the natural and healthy route is the one for me.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/ 4/10 4:50pm

Please, please, PLEASE discuss progesterone cream with your oncologist before using. You don't want to undo all the work that's been done to keep your cancer from recurring... PJH

dannir

11/ 4/10 5:28pm

If you haven't seen this article, I think you may gain some insight from it. www.allnatural.com/tamox.html

There is no discussion with my Oncologist when it comes to natural or alternative treatments, only a deaf ear. Thank you for your concern.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

11/ 4/10 10:00pm

Best of luck to you - PJH

Anonymous

1/ 5/12 9:25pm

I am 59 years old, mastectomy Dec 30th 2011. Not in sentinel nodes. No chemo...no radiation. My oncologist also recommends that I take my estrogen suppressor for five years. My good friends who is a Doctor and Nurse Practioner

has been talking with me about progesterone because of the Side Affects.

Because I could not take Tamoxifen because of the increased blood clot risk I was prescribed Arimidex. I took it for four months and my side effects were too much; severe bone and joint pain; all over achiness, chills, hot flashes. My oncologist switched me to another drug in the same family, just different formulation. The side affects are much the same but dramatically different in intensity and some are intermittent.

I would like the site you offered for more info. Thanks!

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

1/ 5/12 10:08pm

If you're post-menopausal, an aromatase inhibitor is a better choice for you than tamoxifen, as far as preventing recurrence. And if you're not post-menopausal yet, I'd assume you will be very soon. I'm glad your new AI isn't causing as many side effets as Arimidex; hopefully you can stick with it. And, not sure I understood, but I'd question taking progesterone, if that's what you're considering; I think most oncologists would like you to avoid both estrogen and progesterone. Take care - PJH

JGCNOWMAMA

8/ 3/12 4:41am

I love that the progesterone cream is working for you. I am just about to have a lumpectomy for DCIS and the I am currently using progesterone cream for horrible PMDD I used to have. I am now 57 but still use it. I makes me feel great. I call it my Happy Cream!!

They told me to stop using it. And that I will be on Tamoxifen. I do not want to use that drug. It is so toxic.

I would like the website you mentioned in your comment.

I just can't see using something that is worse than the cancer.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

8/ 3/12 5:29am

Hi - We're all i charge of our own bodies and health, and so can use what treatments we choose. I'd like to respectfully suggest, however, that tamoxifen is actually a fairly mild drug, compared to many cancer drugs; and that has a very long history (30+ years) of success. Its usual side effects are minimal (again, compared to other cancer drugs); and its more serious side effects are rare.

Tamoxifen does help prevent recurrence, so I hope you think carefully about whether or not you'll be taking it, OK? You must be very close to menopause, and once that happens, they'd want to switch you to an aromatase inhibitor; so you might want to ask about that class of drugs, too, just to be prepared.

All of that said, the risk of recurrence with DCIS is quite small, so if you decide not to take any horomone therapy the odds are still on your side. Best of luck with the surgery - hope they get clean margins on the first go-around... PJH

peony_pixie

12/11/12 5:41am

I am a 50 year old woman who was diagnosed with HER+ breast cancer and underwent Chemo and bilateral mastectomies. During surgery and afterward pathology stated that they saw a 2 cm tumor area that was treated by chemo (original tumor was 6 cm) and that no active cancer cells were seen. They also removed 17 lymph nodes none of which had any signs of cancer. Now the oncologist prescribed Tamoxifen and after 3 weeks of taking it I have developed shooting pains in my chest tissue, inflamation and numbness of my upper back and red blotches there as well. A growing spot of what appears like red sand paper bumps on my inner arm, and a sever itching all over. I am to see a dermatologist tomorrow but I believe that I am having some sort of allergic reaction to something in this drug. Whether it be the drug or an inactive ingredient I am not sure. I am interested in natural alternatives to Tamoxifen and would like to know more about the progesterone cream. Please send info to kresearch@embarqmail.com

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/11/12 7:30am

Hi - Before you turn to progesterone cream, which isn't proven via any scientific data to be as effective at preventing recurrence as tamoxifen, I suggest you find out for sure what's causing these symptoms. It may be a coincidence that they started around the same time as the tamoxifen, and you may be dealing with something unrelated to the drug. If you determine it IS the tamoxifen, you'd want to think long and hard about abandoning it – since it's your best bet at avoiding a return of your cancer. Good luck - I hope you find out what's going on and get some relief soon. PJH

peony_pixie

12/11/12 8:39am

Hi PJ:

From your advise I suspect you are in the healthcare field - most who are only believe in western medicine. As I have not changed anything else, soap, foods, etc. and the longer I take the tamoxifen the worse I get - I'm betting on the tamoxifen. I have read about many people who have this difficulty. I am not saying that it is the active ingredient - that remains to be seen however if it is a trace inactive ingredient I may never know. My decision will be based on quality of life not quantity and itching until i bleed on top of the pain and neuropathy I have with MS is just not any quality of life. That said - I should also state that I do not believe in taking another pill to counteract the first one. Way too many chemicals for me - and no faith in our FDA or Big Pharm.

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/11/12 1:24pm

Hi - Just to clarify, I'm actually a baker and food writer. And totally into the mind-body connection. I think where we diverge is probably my reliance on traditional medicine first, with complementary - rather than alternative - methods taking up any slack. I think whatever path you take is the right one for YOU. Best of luck to you - I hope you get some relief soon... PJH

Progesterone Cream vs. Tamoxifen?

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