Is HRT safe after a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis?

I got a question from a reader about taking hormone replacement therapy after a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis—she is five years post-diagnosis disease free. (Yea for her.) I cannot find any research on this specific issue, but I did find a few related studies. Some of you might have similar questions, so I am posting this for others who might be in this situation.

• Some cases of HR- recur as HR+. Research on this was published in the Annals of Oncology. It was a pretty small sample, though—only 40 women initially.

• Estrogen can be a factor in the earliest formation of hormone-negative disease, according to research in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

• The association between HRT use and breast cancer was the same for TNBC as for other forms of breast cancer in another study in the Annals of Oncology.

• Oral contraceptives were associated with a higher risk of TNBC in a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

I would suggest trying alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. Also, watch your diet--eat lots of vegetables and fruit, reduce fats, processed carbs (sugar, white flour), caffeine, and alcohol. These will also help you fight cancer--an added bonus--and lose weight, which can reduce menopausal symptoms. Also, make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D. I had success with evening primrose for hot flashes.