Posted by Chris A. on May 19, 2001, at 15:00:26
In reply to HRT for insomnia post breast cancer, posted by suzie2u on May 17, 2001, at 21:43:36
Have you tried raloxifene (Evista)? It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It is an estrogen antagonist in breast and uterine tissues, but results in the activation of other estrogenic pathways. There's a chance it might help with insomnia, although it supposedly dosen't bind with estrogen receptors in the brain. It did prevent my migraines, which other ERT has also done, which makes me think that it might have enough estrogenic effects to help with insomnia. The PDR indicates that there were fewer reports of insomnia with raloxifene than with placebo in clinical trials. It has been shown to have beneficial effects on bone resorption and positive effects on lipid metabolism.
It is a viable alternative to traditional HRT without the risks of increased breast cancer.My consultant suggested going back on it recently as a bridge to possibly going on Tamoxifen. Guess I am scared of Tamoxifen because of lack of knowledge and experience. I experienced no known side effects the two years I was on raloxifene. My bone density inceased, which was good. I went back onto more traditional ERT a year ago because a doc thought I needed estrogen which also targeted the receptors in the brain. My university pDoc consultant (the best in the Rocky Mtn. region) thinks the evidence for possible neuroprotective effects of estrogen is weak at best.
Hope this helps and that you get some sleep soon.
Blessings,
Chris A.
poster:Chris A.
thread:63421
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010515/msgs/63642.html