Depression in Women with Breast Cancer

April 30, 2015

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: The most talk about type of cancer

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer is realistic and must be addressed timely if we have to keep the beauty and health of our loved ones breast.

Of all the cancer types, breast cancer is the one most studied more so when it comes to the psychosocial effects. It therefore goes without mention that of all the studies done, most of them are focusing on women and breast cancer. This is what the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are going to help us understand. Remember that doctor Akoury is also the founder of this facility and ever since she has been of great help to many people across the globe. You can be among the many that have been treated and are now enjoying their lives to the fullest by seeking an audience with her today through a phone call and you will not regret it. In the meantime, let us settle into the discussion focusing on the depression in women with breast cancer.

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: Longitudinal studies of depression in women with breast cancer

Like I had said before, this has become a great point of concern to researchers and a lot is being done in this direction. Like for instance and according to one of the prospective study where 160 women with breast cancer and were schedule for breast surgery, it was established that about 22% prevalence of depression in women who had a mastectomy for breast cancer. In relation to those with initial stages of cancer this prevalence was consistent for two years. During this period a 30% rate of anxiety in a study of 58 ambulatory women who were 5 years post treatment for breast cancer. Nonetheless women who had partial mastectomy followed by radiation had better body image but similar amount of anxiety and depression symptoms and fear of recurrence as did women who had modified radical mastectomy.

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: Depression in breast cancer patients by surgical procedure

Of the many studies conducted, when the specialist were analyzing the various findings and in comparison with the psychological outcomes of the women undergoing different surgical procedures, it was established some low levels of depression but higher levels of anxiety in 133 ambulatory breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The end result of this study shows clear evidence that in a cutoff score of 10 on HADS only two mastectomy patients were considered significantly depressed. And on the other hand if a HADS cutoff score of 8 was applied, then 6.7% were depressed. In contrast, in a study of 123 women with breast cancer, there was a clear evidence of high prevalence of depression (50% in mastectomy, 50% in lumpectomy with radiation versus 41% in lumpectomy only). These high percentages may have resulted from a use of a self-report depression scale (Center for Epidemiology Self-report Depression Scale [CES-D]) rather than a DSM-IIIR criteria-based clinical interview.

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: Prior History of Depression in Women with Breast Cancer

Few researchers have noted the time of onset of depression or correlated patients’ history of depression with current depression or functioning. Notably, researchers reported findings on a homogenous sample of 79 women evaluated with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and CES-D 3–7 months after their diagnosis of breast cancer. Nearly 18% of this sample had a past or current history of depression according to DSM-IIIR criteria. Women with elevated depressive symptoms had more physical symptom distress and more impaired functioning than subjects with depressive disorders and without depression.

In a cross-sectional study of 303 relatively young (mean age 46 years) women with early (stage I or II) breast cancer at 3 months after breast surgery using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and HADS, it was again established that a past history of depression was associated with depression. It was also noted that women with few psychological symptoms and good emotional adjustment to cancer may have refused participation in this study because these women were also being recruited into an intervention study.

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: Hormones and Depression in Women with Breast Cancer

In one of the studies involving 257 women with lymph node-negative breast cancer, 155 of who were treated with tamoxifen and 102 who were not. On the basis of clinical interview, 15% of the tamoxifen-treated group had depression compared with 3% of those not taking tamoxifen. Of the 23 women with depression, eight had mild symptoms and no change in tamoxifen dose was made, eight had significant depression requiring a dose reduction to relieve symptoms, and seven had to discontinue tamoxifen secondary to depression.

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: Prevalence of Depression in Women with Advanced Breast Cancer

Studies evaluating the correlation of depression with disease progression in women with breast cancer have shown inconsistent results. Experts have found less depression in women with advanced breast cancer (4.5%) than in those with recurrent disease (15%). Physical disability did not relate to emotional disturbance. And yet in another study experts reported that ambulatory advanced breast cancer patients had a 20% depression prevalence in one study and 9% depression in another. Still again other studies found a 32% prevalence of depression in 22 women with local recurrence comparable with rates found with mastectomy. And in yet another research experts found a 13% prevalence of depression in advanced breast cancer patients (N = 139); increased levels of depression were found in those with lowest socioeconomic status, poorest performance status, and closer proximity to death.

In view of all these studies, researches and their findings it is becoming clearer that depression in women with breast cancer is realistically a problem that we cannot just wish away. It will take a consolidated effort from all us (medical professionals, government authorities, the general public and all interested parties) to pool together in the fight against these life threatening conditions. On her part as a medical expert, doctor Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. I strongly believe that you want your life to be transformed for the best of the very best. If this describes your interest, then you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today and being the life transformation journey with the best in the medical practice.

Depression in Women with Breast Cancer: The most talk about type of cancer

Understanding the Emotional Side Effects of Cancer

April 27, 2015

Understanding the Emotional Side Effects of Cancer: Ask questions

Understanding the Emotional Side Effects of Cancer marks the beginning point towards successful cancer treatment

It is always said that it is the sick that needs the doctor and not the other way round. This statement is very significant in the quest to finding all the information you need to make the best decision about your cancer treatment. Understanding the emotional side effects of cancer will only be possible when you ask question. This way you will be getting answers to all your concerns and avoiding making mistakes. Says doctor Dalal Akoury. Doctors and nurses are professionals making them to be the best sources of information when you have medical questions. Therefore, before you book for that appointment with doctor Akoury in her office at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource center, and for memory purposes, write down all the questions you may have about things disease. The questions may include: your type of cancer, treatment, side effects, and limits on activity you might have during treatment. Remember that other members of your health care team, like pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, physical therapists, and radiation therapists are also experts in their different areas of discipline and can also help you with your questions. Doctor Akoury emphases that it is your life we are talking about and therefore you need not to be afraid to ask those questions.

Asking questions shows you want to learn and take an active role in your treatment. If a health care team member doesn’t have time to answer all of your questions, and don’t be surprised about that because it do happens due to their schedule of work. You can ask when a good time for them is so that you would be to finish your conversation or ask about other ways to get the answers you need. Besides the known questions you have off head, you can also research on the other questions to ask from various sources like going online so that you can find more conclusive list of questions to ask your doctor. The objective of this is starting right; therefore no question is too small or too silly to ask. I encourage patients never to be afraid to call the doctors or other medical staffs with questions about anything including even questions about their bills and insurance. If you were to visit our facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) it will interest you to find out that our doctors and his staffs are all trained and experienced professionals who will be willing to answer any question you may ask. You can also have an opportunity to speak to our pharmacist who will help you in making special arrangements when we needed to get prescriptions, especially pain medicine, filled after our regular business hours.

Understanding the Emotional Side Effects of Cancer: Know how to reach your doctor any time

In the quest to understanding the emotional side effects of cancer, consistency is very important. People with cancer must know when they need to call their doctor. Ask which side effects or unusual problems that needs to be reported right away. Some things can wait until the next office visit, or until regular office hours when you can call and speak to a nurse. But if you’re having severe or unexpected side effects, you need to know how to reach a doctor even when the regular office hour is closed. In this case, patients’ needs to be sure that they have a hot line phone number and that your loved ones have it, too. Nonetheless if your doctor isn’t available after hours, find out what you should do if you have problems.

And because it is a collective responsibility, some family members may also wish to speak with members of your health care team. This is very important as it can help them get answers to their questions and find support to deal with their feelings as well. Remember that by doing all these you are not in any way disturbing. Your health care team is bound by law to keep information about your health confidential. They will not discuss your health with family members and friends unless you give your permission for them to do so. Let your doctors and nurses know which family members and friends may be contacting them and with whom they can share information. You may have to sign forms giving your permission for these discussions.

Understanding the Emotional Side Effects of Cancer: Feel comfortable with your health care team

It is a common practice across the globe that all health care professionals would be patient, understanding and have all the time in the world to answer questions, and know how to explain things to you so you could easily understand. This is and will always be the practice as it is entailed in the ethical guidelines. However, these professionals are also humans and occasionally finding all of these qualities in one person is rare. Even if you find some little discomfort it is still worth it for you to trust your doctor and other members of the health care team. Nonetheless if you feel growing discomfort and that lack of trust and open communication is keeping you from getting good medical care, you are at liberty to ask for a referral to another doctor with whom you feel more comfortable. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for a referral for a second opinion. You need to be an active member of your health care team. As an active team member, you will need to do things like keep your scheduled appointments, take medicines as prescribed, and report side effects timely.

Finally with determination there is not obstacle that you cannot overcome. With the right experts and professionals around you, you will be on top of your health and beating all the obstacles as they may come. One of the ways of eliminating those obstacles is by consistently being in touch with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. Doctor Akoury who is also the founder of the facility will handle your individual case professionally and with a lot of confidentiality. So don’t be afraid go ahead and schedule for that appointment today.

Understanding the Emotional Side Effects of Cancer: Ask questions

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems

April 21, 2015

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: Understanding the Herb Gotu Kola

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems

Over the years people have often embraced traditional medications for various types of illness. The practice is becoming acceptable even to the mainstream scientific medication. One of the ancient herbs that have been in use for decades is gotu kola and it is going to form part of our focus in this discussion. We want to look at the benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the stems in the treatment of various health conditions we do have today and even in the past. But before that Gotu kola is a swamp plant that originated and grows naturally in Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and many parts of South Africa. Its dried leaves and stems are medicinal and are used in herbal remedies. The active compounds in gotu kola are called saponins, or triterpenoids. Gotu kola is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat skin wounds. It is important to note that Gotu kola is not in any way related to the kola (cola) nut and doesn’t contain caffeine or stimulants.

Some clinical trials have looked at the use of gotu kola and its compounds in people with poor blood flow, usually in the legs. These limited studies suggest that gotu kola may help reduce swelling in the legs and feet, although more scientific studies are needed. Other research that has looked at gotu kola in humans has been limited by small numbers of patients and problems in study methods. Although at least one laboratory study of tumor cells showed reduced cell growth with gotu kola, available scientific evidence does not support claims of its effectiveness for treating cancer or any other disease in humans. Therefore to help us get the answers to some mostly asked questions, we are going to be talking to doctor Dalal Akoury the MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center a facility whose primary objective is to transforms people’s lives through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. As we progress into the discussion, if you have any concern about your health and the medications you are using whether herbs or scientific, you may want to schedule for an appointment with this great medical professional who has been in practice for over two decades and she will be of great help to you professionally and in confidence.

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: How is Gotu kola promoted for use?

A lot of theories are being used when it come to the application of gotu kola. Some experts who support it use have reported that gotu kola possesses numerous curative qualities. At the same time some physicians maintain that gotu kola eases fever and relieves congestion caused by colds and upper respiratory infections. It is also reported that some women have used gotu kola for birth control, and some herbalists claim that gotu kola is an antidote for poisonous mushrooms and arsenic poisoning. Some believe that it can be applied externally to treat snakebites, herpes, fractures, and sprains. It is evident that gotu kola has several opportunities through which its application is being promoted. Like for instance in some folk medicine traditions, gotu kola is used to treat syphilis, rheumatism, leprosy, mental illness, and epilepsy. It is also used to stimulate urination and to boot out physical and mental exhaustion, high blood pressure, eye diseases, diarrhea, asthma, liver disease, dysentery, urinary tract infections, eczema, inflammation and psoriasis. Some manufacturers of the herbal supplement claim gotu kola can be used to treat cancer as well. That is a testimony of a host of applications opportunities and this introduces us to our next point of concern “what does it involve?”

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: What does it involve?

Over the years this herb has been evolving and each time new development for it applications is being discovered. A lot of improvement has been made on it and today gotu kola is available in capsules, eye drops, extracts, powder, and ointments from health various food stores across the globe and over the online market (Internet). Doctor Dalal Akoury states that dried gotu kola can be made into dust form and be used as tea. She continues to state that if you are purposing to use this herd in whichever form, it would be advisable that you consult with your healthcare provider for advice on the right dosage. This is because the right and recommended dosage depends on the condition being treated and there is no general agreeable dosage. Now that you are up to date with its usage, let us walk you through the history journey of gotu kola herb.

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: What is the history behind it?

Like we have already stated in the introduction, this herb (Gotu kola) has a long history in the folk medicines of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar including South Africa and is still widely used in these countries to date. For a very long time this herb has been used for generation to generation in India to promote relaxation, improve memory, and aid meditation. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb is believed to promote longevity. The Chinese name for gotu kola translates to “fountain of youth.” A Sri Lankan legend says that elephants have long lives because they eat gotu kola. It therefore means that gotu kola has a very rich history and anyone wishing to join the history can do so.

Finally when opting to use gotu kola or any herb for that matter, it is not just enough to get information from the internet and by reading books and without further finding more go ahead and start using these herbs. Majority of herbal medications may not pose any threat but the fact that no tangible scientific evidence has been established about them, makes them only applicable on the instruction of the professional. Therefore I will advise you that before opting for gotu kola, seek for more information with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Akoury’s care.

Benefits of Gotu kola leaves and the Stems: Understanding the Herb Gotu Kola

Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women

April 21, 2015

Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women: Positive Early Breast Cancer

Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women

Endocrine therapy is an important systemic treatment for all stages of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and has seen significant advances since Beatson first made the link between the endocrine system and breast cancer more than 100 years ago. In the past few decades, modern endocrine therapies, such as the orally administered selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen, have revolutionized early breast cancer therapy, offering a real improvement in terms of both disease-free (DFS) and overall survival. Treatment guidelines now call for the determination of estrogen and progesterone receptor status in all primary breast tumors and endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women. Nonetheless it is important to note that these therapies are only recommended for women with known hormone receptor-positive disease.

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Akoury’s care are stating that unlike advanced disease, early detection of breast cancer is hypothetically curable. However treatment of early breast cancer may involve adjuvant therapy consisting of systemic endocrine therapy, chemotherapy or both. This can be done after initial surgery to remove the tumor to prevent or delay tumor recurrence. The ultimate goal of adjuvant endocrine therapy is to increase the chances of curing invasive early breast cancer, with as low a level of adverse side-effects as possible.

Historically, tamoxifen was the first successful hormonal treatment and became the ‘gold standard’ adjuvant endocrine therapy in postmenopausal women. It has been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy in women of over 50 years of age with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer. These findings have prompted its investigation as a chemo-preventive agent in women at risk of breast cancer. Bearing in mind that this study had a short follow-up, tamoxifen was found to be associated with almost 50% reduction in new tumors compared with placebo. As a result, Nolvadex™ (tamoxifen citrate) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for reducing the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk of developing the disease. However, despite its proven effectiveness, tamoxifen therapy is still linked to a number of serious side-effects including an increased risk of endometrial cancer and sarcoma and thromboembolic disorders all of which are potentially life-threatening. This clearly limits its use both as adjuvant therapy (where it is usually recommended for up to 5 years) and in particular, as a preventative therapy. This shortcoming has prompted the search for, and development of, new agents with equal or improved efficacy and fewer side-effects.

Alternatively postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer may be offered adjuvant therapy with either tamoxifen or with an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase inhibitors belong to a class of drugs that work by reducing the levels of estrogen in the body. Even if you have stopped menstruating, your body may still produce small amounts of estrogen in the adrenal glands, fat tissue and even breast tissue. These drugs for over two decades have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women with early stage breast cancer. Such drugs include anastrozole (Arimidex^®), exemestane (Aromasin^®) and letrozole (Femara^®).

Postmenopausal women with hormone-positive tumors may do just as well or perhaps a bit better with an aromatase inhibitor when compared to tamoxifen. It is not recommended for these women to undergo ovarian suppression as adjuvant treatment since their ovaries are not producing estrogen. Oophorectomy would be considered in this case in women who are BRCA 1 or 2 mutation carriers or have a strong family history of ovarian cancer as a preventive measure. Experts recommend that patients who are diagnosed with early stage non-invasive breast cancer (DCIS) may be given tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer from occurring in the unaffected breast. But in all this, it is important to understand that the use of aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women with DCIS is under investigation.

Many women stop menstruating after receiving chemotherapy, often for several months or even a few years. This does not necessarily mean they are postmenopausal. It is possible that these women could still have functioning ovaries and premenopausal hormonal levels despite the absence of their menstrual periods. Also, ovarian function could still return unexpectedly. That said, women who are premenopausal, regardless of whether they experience temporary menopause because of treatments, should not be prescribed aromatase inhibitors (unless they are participating in specific clinical research studies). Aromatase inhibitors are typically reserved for postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women: Side effects of aromatase inhibitors

Like in all other medications aromatase inhibitors are also having their side effects which are generally mild and well-tolerated. They may include the following:

High cholesterol – You may need routine screenings. If cholesterol becomes a problem, you may be asked to reduce your intake of fat from meats and other animal products.
Hair thinning
Hot flashes
Decreased interest in sexual activity
Mood swings
Joint stiffness and pain, including carpal tunnel symptoms – In a small number of patients, this can be quite severe. If you develop severe symptoms your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop taking it and then try another kind of aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen.

Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women: Complications

The use of aromatase inhibitors may trigger complications where the patient loses the bone density. It is therefore advisable that all women who are considering using aromatase inhibitors to consult with their doctors about having a bone density study (DEXA scan). Besides that such patients should also take at least the minimum recommended daily allowances dose of calcium and vitamin D. and for those patients with some evidence of bone loss, your doctor may recommend that you increase your exercise level or take a calcium supplement. However if you are still experiencing problems with bone loss, a prescription of bone building drugs like a class of medications called bisphosphonates may be recommended. The drug Evista^® (raloxifene) is quite similar to tamoxifen and in general should be avoided by women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer.

Endocrine Therapy for Postmenopausal Women: Positive Early Breast Cancer

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women

April 20, 2015

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Breast Cancer

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women are very essential in the cancer treatment for all women of all ages

At the mention of the disease cancer people frown and frustration follows almost immediately. Knowing how the kind of pain and suffering the cancer patients go through, a painless treatment solution would be highly recommended. Unfortunately as things stand now this is not the case further complicating the painful lives of cancer patients. Even though cancer does not discriminate on gender or otherwise, women are hard hit by this unhealthy condition. A lot of treatment procedures are being used including the endocrine therapy for premenopausal and postmenopausal for women. Speaking to doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center about this condition, she states that women who have been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer will often most likely be prescribed for daily oral medication after all other treatment ends. However, it is important to note that for endocrine therapy prescription will be done differently for each patient depending on whether they are premenopausal or postmenopausal.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal Women

Under normal circumstances premenopausal women with breast cancers that express the estrogen or progesterone receptor (ER or PR-positive) will in most cases advised to take tamoxifen for sometimes normally up to five years. This drug impacts the effects of estrogen in cancer cells and helps reduce the risk that the breast cancer will recur in women of any age by almost 50 percent.

Remember that this medication (Tamoxifen) can also be helpful in the reduction of the risk of developing a new breast cancer in the portions of the breast not affected yet. In some cases, women who are younger than 35-40 may also be considered for combined endocrine therapy with medications that temporarily stop ovarian function.

Doctor Akoury registers that in many cases majority of women stop menstruating after receiving chemotherapy, often for several months even though this may extend to a few years. It is also possible that these women despite this changes they are experiencing could still have functioning ovaries and premenopausal hormonal levels despite the absence of their menstrual periods. Besides, the ovarian function could still return unexpectedly. That said, women who are premenopausal, regardless of whether they experience temporary menopause because of treatments, should not be prescribed aromatase inhibitors (unless they are participating in specific clinical research studies). Aromatase inhibitors are typically reserved for postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Side effects of tamoxifen

Like with all other drugs the side effects of tamoxifen are generally mild and decreases with time. They include:

Hot flashes
Decreased interest in sexual activity
Weight changes
Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Vaginal discharge
Fertility issues
Memory loss
Fatigue
Joint pain
Headaches
Hair loss
Skin changes
Menstrual irregularity
Increased sweating
Nausea
Mood swings

Note that some side these effects can be alleviated through symptom management and other positive lifestyle changes.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Risk Factors

Serious complications with tamoxifen are rare, especially in women below the age of 50. Some of the complications may include blood clots (deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) or uterine (endometrial) cancer.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Ovarian Suppression or Ablation

For premenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors, ovarian ablation or suppression (stopping ovary function) may be an option. Since a premenopausal woman’s ovaries are the main source of estrogen production, temporarily or permanently shutting off their function has been shown to be effective (when used alone) in reducing the chances of a breast cancer recurrence. Studies are now confirming their usefulness when given with tamoxifen instead of chemotherapy or after chemotherapy. This is called ovarian ablation or suppression and can be done through surgery (permanently) or monthly hormonal injections (temporarily). The injection of medication will prevent you from ovulating or menstruating and will put you in temporary menopause. Surgery will prevent you from having to undergo monthly injections, but will put you in irreversible menopause. You should speak to your doctor regarding any plans to conceive children so that together you can decide which option is best for you and your family.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Ovarian Ablation

A bilateral oophorectomy or ovarian ablation is the surgical removal of your ovaries. This procedure is sometimes recommended if you have been identified as carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation and have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. The surgical removal of your ovaries will reduce circulating estrogens in your body down to postmenopausal levels. This surgery is permanent and cannot be undone. For premenopausal women, an oophorectomy will prevent you from conceiving children and will cause permanent menopause.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Ovarian Suppression

Ovary suppression can be achieved by hormonal drug injections known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (LH-RH or GnRH) agonist. This works by temporarily suppressing ovulation and, as a result, limiting the amount of estrogen circulating in your body. Estrogen levels usually are reduced to postmenopausal levels within two weeks. Treatment is generally administered by monthly injections. Although you will be in a temporary menopause while taking this drug, it is important to note that this is generally reversible and menstruation often begins shortly after treatment stops. This is not a fail-proof birth control method so you should use a non-hormonal form of contraception too, like an IUD or barrier methods such as condoms or a diaphragm. Side effects are similar to menopausal symptoms and include decreased sex drive, hot flashes, weight gain and bone pain. And to maximize on its effectiveness, ovarian suppression drugs and tamoxifen can be prescribed alongside.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Drug interactions

Antidepressants – It is estimated that as many as 30 percent of all breast cancer patients in the United States are prescribed an antidepressant at some time during their treatment. However some of these antidepressants may interfere with how tamoxifen works and therefore should be avoided. The following are some of the antidepressants which are expected to interfere with tamoxifen:

Paxil^® (paroxetine)
Prozac^® (fluoxetine)
Wellbutrin^® (bupropion)

In conclusion the endocrine therapy for premenopausal is conclusively addressed in this article and we are going to be concentrating on the postmenopausal in the next article. We want to request you to stay on the link for more health information. But in the meantime, if you have any concern you can about such treatments, you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for more professional clarification.

Endocrine Therapy for Premenopausal and Postmenopausal for Women: Breast Cancer

Tag Archives: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month