How to Manage Hormonal Changes During Breast Cancer Treatment

Hormone therapy is an important pillar of breast cancer Singapore care, especially for hormone receptor-positive cancers. While these treatments are very effective in preventing recurrences and improving survival, they can cause significant hormonal changes and menopause-like symptoms. Understanding what to expect and learning how to manage these effects is crucial to staying on therapy and protecting your wellbeing during women’s cancer care Singapore.

Common Hormone Therapy Side Effects

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Irregular periods (for premenopausal women)
• Joint and muscle pain
• Mood swings or low mood
• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced sex drive
• Weight gain
• Bone thinning (especially with aromatase inhibitors)
• Rare but serious: blood clots (with tamoxifen), uterine cancer, and heart disease

Managing Menopausal and Hormonal Symptoms

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

• Keep your environment cool, use fans, and dress in layers.
• Avoid triggers like spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Practice deep breathing, yoga, or relaxation techniques.
• Some non-hormonal medications (e.g., certain antidepressants or gabapentin) may provide relief; always consult your oncology team before starting any new medication.

Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort

• Use water-based lubricants or moisturizers for comfort during intimacy.
• For persistent symptoms, your doctor might suggest very low-dose vaginal estrogen—research shows this does not significantly raise breast cancer risks for most, but it must be discussed with your cancer doctor.

Joint and Muscle Pain

• Maintain gentle, regular exercise and stretching.
• Ensure adequate vitamin D and calcium through diet or supplements to support bone health and reduce discomfort.
• Acupuncture or massage may also be helpful for some women.

Mood Swings, Sleep Problems, and Anxiety

• Seek support from counselors, patient groups, or trusted friends and family.
• Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation training can help stabilize mood and encourage restful sleep.
• If needed, mental health professionals can provide therapy or medications according to your needs.

Managing Bone Health

• Bone scans may be recommended before, during, and after therapy, especially if you are on aromatase inhibitors.
• Discuss preventive measures with your healthcare provider, including supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Monitoring and Ongoing Support

If you notice severe, persistent, or worrisome symptoms—including heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pain, or sudden swelling—contact your care team immediately. Never stop or change your medication without medical advice.

Communication with Your Healthcare Team

Maintaining open dialogue is key. If a medication’s side effects are intolerable, your oncologist may suggest alternatives, dose changes, or supportive treatments. Every woman’s experience with hormone therapy is unique, and personalizing the approach can make a big difference.

Hormonal changes from breast cancer hormone therapy are challenging but manageable. With the support of your medical team and self-care strategies, you can navigate these side effects, prioritize comfort, and continue strong on your road to recovery and breast health.

Disclaimer: The content for this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your oncologist with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this site.