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grammyk
grammyk Member Posts: 11
edited December 2022 in Breast Cancer
I am 8 years out from invasive ducal ER/PR positive breast cancer. I just found out St. John’s Wort contains phytoestrogens. Should I be taking SJW?

Comments

  • MarcieB
    MarcieB Member Posts: 528
    Uh-oh, I need you to tell me what SJW is? When I see those initials all I can think of is: Social Justice Warrior.
  • grammyk
    grammyk Member Posts: 11
    It is an herb that can treat mild to moderate depression…St. John’s Wort. My oncologist doesn’t recommend it. She says since it isn’t regulated that it is unknown how it interacts with other meds. My primary said ok. I was concerned because it contains phytoestrogens and I am Er/Pr positive but 8 years out.
  • MarcieB
    MarcieB Member Posts: 528
    edited August 2021
    Oh, goodness, I should have figured that out...I must need a second cup of coffee this morning! Have you been taking the SJW for the past 8 years, or just recently? I am really no expert on this, but I know oftentimes it depends on the amount in question. The herb may well contain phytoestrogens, but maybe the amount is so slight it wouldn't really affect you (unless you took 50 pills a day, or something like that). I think you need that kind of information before you make a decision.
  • grammyk
    grammyk Member Posts: 11
    I just started it as kind of an experiment. I think I do feel better. My primary care dr. Is ok with it. I tried to get my oncologist to commit to its safety and effectiveness, but she is pretty vague.
  • legaljen1969
    legaljen1969 Member Posts: 763
    edited August 2021 Answer ✓
    Grammyk, when you say your onco does not recommend, do you mean she isn't affirmatively recommending it or do you mean that she recommends you not take it? I have tried to avoid anything with phytoestrogens if possible. Someone had recommended SJW to me as well, but my onco said since it is not regulated, you don't know how much you are getting and it could vary from maker to maker and even from bottle to bottle. Not to mention since it's not regulated you really don't know what other meds it could interact with.
  • grammyk
    grammyk Member Posts: 11
    . That sounds exactly like what my oncologist said. I asked her if she thought it was ineffective or unsafe and she replied exactly like yours! She said she could write me an antidepressant but I just wanted to try SJW. I took 900 mg/ day for one month before I checked with the onco, but now I am taking 375 mg/ day for about a week so far. I guess I am weaning off until I see my dr. in a few months. I think it helps.
  • petieagnor
    petieagnor Member Posts: 110
    edited February 2022
    Hi GrammyK. I'm a little slow in getting my mail. I have MBC; yes, I'm estrogen positive. My urologist prescribed a cream w/estrogen. Oncologist, said NO. I'm 76 & any little thing can rock my boat. I heard about Nervive. Dr. Oz even recommended it for my terrible neuropathy. I took the bottle in to Dr. on my monthly visit. She approved. I always want to be safe than sorry. BTW, she was happy for me that it works. Good luck with that depression thing. I've tried a lot of drugs, but found that for me, "only deal with the positive". I live with Mr. Negativity, so I really have to work at not falling into that bottomless pit. I work on self without being selfish.

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