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Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,371
Registered: ‎06-19-2010

I am a brest cancer survivor, 13 years now, but haven't been sleeping well. Is it ok to take melatonin as it is a hormone, and have been told not to take any type of hormone. I need my sleep and starting to get grouchy. Don't think it's menopause as I went through that in my 30's as a result of the chemo. Looking for the magic bullet.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,090
Registered: ‎01-13-2012

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

I used to take Melatonin and was diagnosed 11/15.  My oncologist said it was ok to take Melatonin.  I too have read where it is a hormone but he said ok.  I also take Tamoxifen.  My sleep patterns change alot and I was off Melatonin for while but now I am considering taking it again.  I need my sleep too!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,310
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

I was dx in 2012 with breast cancer and have never heard that melatonin could be a no-no but I can't take it anyway as it just makes me feel awful in the morning. I too, don't sleep worth beans anymore but have been taking a mineral powder called OptiLife Tranquil from E*vine shopping channel. It is a powder that you mix hot or cold and drink before bedtime. It contains 400 iu of vit d 3, 250 mg of calcium,600 mg of magnesium,198 mg of potassium and 20mg of sodium. It taste a little chalky and sweet but not unpleasant at all. I drink it warm and I drink it during the late afternoon as who wants to get up to go to the bathroom at night. It works really well for me and I have been a chronic insomniac for 30 years.I usually get maybe 5 hours of sleep; but  the quality of my sleep is much better. Those minerals are all relaxing type things and prob we are all low  in them anyway. It's about $25 for 7.4 oz and the scoop size is 7 grams. Will last 30 days. I"m auto delivery too. There are other things like this in the market, I think one is called Calm but they didn't have these all these ingredients.

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,134
Registered: ‎06-29-2010

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

From what you write, you had a quick menopause at 30 as a result of the chemo - however, your natural menopause may be kicking in.  When that happens, you will have sleep fluctuations.  Chemo is only temporary.  Glad you survived. 

 

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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,829
Registered: ‎03-18-2010

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

When I have trouble sleeping I take benadryl. That is what is used in Tylenol Pm and other sleep products. I can't take melatonin as I feel weird the next day and I cannot take Ambien either. Benadryl works good for me and isn't addictive and I don't feel wonky the next day.

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JFK
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,224
Registered: ‎01-26-2013

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

[ Edited ]

If you are on tamoxifen for breast cancer DO NOT take benadryl as it is a MAJOR inhibitor of tamoxifen's effectiveness.  I am also a bc survivor.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,886
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

Vitamin D is actually a hormone. 

 

Does anyone who had breast cancer had to avoid plant based estrogen? 

 

Usually people think soy, but all kinds of beans and other vegetables--even tomatoes contain estrogen. 

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,759
Registered: ‎05-08-2010

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

Valerian root is another alternative option.

 

Melatonin is a neurological hormone.  Our vet recommended it for our dog, Quincy, who is being treated for lymphoma.  He said it helps with chemo related hair loss.  Our dog sleeps like a log at night after taking it.

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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,919
Registered: ‎08-31-2010

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

[ Edited ]

@Lucky Charm wrote:

Vitamin D is actually a hormone. 

 

Does anyone who had breast cancer had to avoid plant based estrogen? 

 

Usually people think soy, but all kinds of beans and other vegetables--even tomatoes contain estrogen. 

 

 


If it lived, it has hormones.  There's no escaping it, but soy should be avoided for most people--especially men.  A high-carb diet also makes the body produce a ton of unwanted hormones because the increased insulin fires up the endocrine system.  

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 54,410
Registered: ‎03-29-2012

Re: Breast Cancer and Melatonin

What about Magnesium? I take this and it helps.