Managing Long-Term Health Risks Associated with Hormonal Therapy for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, and hormonal therapy has become a standard treatment option. It involves using medications that block estrogen or lower its levels in the body to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. However, like any other medical treatment, hormonal therapy also comes with potential long-term health risks.
In this article, we will explore some of these risks and ways to manage them effectively.
Long-Term Health Risks
Hormonal therapy can lead to various long-term health complications such as:
1. Bone Loss: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. Blocking it through hormonal therapy can cause significant bone loss and increase the risk of fractures.
2. Cardiovascular Disease: Some studies have shown that prolonged use of certain types of hormonal therapies may increase the risk of heart disease by affecting cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
3. Vaginal Dryness & Sexual Dysfunction: Lowered estrogen levels due to hormonal therapy can cause vaginal dryness leading to discomfort during sexual intercourse.
4. Cognitive Impairment: There is evidence suggesting that prolonged exposure to low estrogen levels may affect cognitive function in postmenopausal women on hormone therapy.
Management Strategies
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage these risks effectively:
1. Regular Bone Density Tests: Women undergoing hormone therapy should undergo regular bone density tests (DEXA scans) every two years or so, depending on their age and other factors related to osteoporosis prevention.
2. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise routines including weight-bearing exercises like jogging or walking helps maintain bone strength while reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
3.Vaginal Lubricants & Moisturizers – Over-the-counter lubricants/moisturizers help alleviate vaginal dryness symptoms caused by lowered estrogen levels due to HT.
4. Cognitive Training: Mental exercises and cognitive training can help maintain cognitive function in postmenopausal women on hormone therapy.
Future Advances
Research is ongoing to develop new hormonal therapies that are more effective, less toxic, and with fewer side effects. One such development is the use of CDK 4/6 inhibitors, which have shown promise in treating advanced breast cancer by blocking proteins responsible for cell division. These drugs have been approved by the FDA for use along with hormonal therapy as a first-line treatment option for metastatic ER-positive breast cancer patients.
Another area of research involves exploring combinations of different types of hormonal therapies to improve outcomes while minimizing adverse effects. For example, combining aromatase inhibitors with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) has shown promise in reducing bone loss associated with long-term aromatase inhibitor use.
Conclusion
Hormonal therapy has revolutionized the treatment of breast cancer over the years; however, it comes at a cost – potential long-term health risks. Early identification and management strategies play an essential role in mitigating these risks effectively. With ongoing research into developing newer and better treatments options, there is hope for improved outcomes while minimizing adverse effects associated with current hormonal therapies used today.
References:
1) National Cancer Institute. Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Fact Sheet.
2) American Society Of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Managing Long-Term Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy.
3) Susan G Komen Foundation-Long-Term Side Effects Of Hormonal Therapies
4) Harvard Health Publishing: A Guide To Understanding Bone Density Tests
5) The Journal Of Sexual Medicine – Vaginal Lubricants And Moisturizers In Postmenopausal Women
6) Cleveland Clinic- Brain Fog On HT
*Note: this site does not provide medical opinions or diagnosis and should not be relied upon instead of receiving medical attention from a licensed medical professional.
