Should I skip hormone therapy after breast cancer for natural alternatives?

This is such a significant decision that deserves careful consideration with your medical team. Many people in this community have wrestled with similar concerns about hormone therapy, weighing the potential benefits against side effects and exploring various approaches to support their health. It's encouraging to hear about your commitment to research and taking an active role in your care - these conversations with your oncologist will be valuable for understanding all your options and making the choice that feels right for your specific situation.

Hi Jenny, I was diagnosed January 2025. Cancer was found in my left breast about 1 cm big. I opted for double mastectomy because I was afraid of cancer coming back and I didn’t want to go through the side effects of chemo and radiation. I had surgery March 03, expanders put in place, I developed my first infection on the right side (side wheee cancer was not located). Infection went away, I developed another infection a few months later it went away. Infection came back for a 3rd time, implant was removed to allow healing. Implant was put back in January 2026, I have had no issues since then 🙏. I started Tamoxiflen June 2025, I have had side effects since being on this medication. I see my oncologist every 3 months, I have routine lab work done and genetic testing done every 3 months as well. Since taking Tamoxiflen, I have had severe brain fog, my cognitive function is terrible. I have experienced severe headaches. Tylenol, Ibuprofen and excedrin does not work. I have hot flashes as well and sever leg cramps at night. Fatigued is daily, when I told my doctor about the side effects her response was “this is just a recommendation to take tamoxifen, if it’s affecting your quality of life you can stop taking it” everyone is different with medication, but the choice is ultimately yours to decide what is best for your body. I take tumeric daily and vitamin d daily . My husband has done a lot of research about herbal medicine and foods to avoid and to eat . I would do that you’ll be surprised what you discover. I hope this helps .

I had the same cancer as you in 2022 at 12:00 location. Rear margin was 1 cm while 2 is preferred. I did double mastectomy to avoid chemo and radiation. My recurrence risk was intermediate. I opted not to take AI inhibitors and went the natural route. My surgeon said chance of local recurrence following mastectomy was 1%. Unfortunately it came back right above the scar in 2025 and I had another surgery and 33 radiation treatments, and now I'm taking the AI inhibitors. I'm post menopause and I've tried Anastrozole (had night sweats that kept me awake at night) and Letrozole (hot flashes and headaches). Now I'm on Exemestane and still have hot flashes but it's the most tolerable.

My first visit with my oncologist was a discussion about the cancer oncotype - analysis of the removed cancer. Any score over 25 they recommend chemotherapy. My score was 31. I also had clear margins and no lymph node involvement. I pray your score will be less than 25. I am cancer-free now and pray the same for you.