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Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is it safe to take 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day if you have had hormone receptive breast cancer?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Onalaska, WI

I had a mastectomy in Sept., 2022 for hormone positive BC. On January 20, 2026, I had a lobectomy for neuroendocrine carcinoma, not related to my BC. My triglycerides are slightly elevated, and my blood pressure has been high for months. I'm on anastrozole (no major problems), and three BP medications already. My cardio/thoracic PA took me off fish oil and magnesium and wants me to take 2 TBSP of ground flaxseed daily for heart health and BP. My breast cancer PA said she was fine with the… read more

February 19
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a question about taking flaxseed after hormone-positive breast cancer with cautious skepticism, citing Mayo Clinic... Read more

Members responded to a question about taking flaxseed after hormone-positive breast cancer with cautious skepticism, citing Mayo Clinic guidance that flaxseed may interfere with estrogen therapies and recommending alternatives like omega-3 supplements or psyllium fiber instead. Several members questioned why the member's doctor discontinued fish oil and magnesium, suggesting the magnesium may have been helpful for sleep and that any changes should be thoroughly explained and discussed with the oncologist before proceeding. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy and thorough research, with members sharing mixed experiences with physician assistants and nurse practitioners, emphasizing that patients must stay informed and push back when recommendations don't align with their full medical history.

A MyBCTeam Member

I never completely trust PAs or NPs and refuse to see only them. I don't mind them assisting my various doctors, but I never allow them as a substitute for an actual doctor. Both of those specialties have made mistakes in my medical care in the past that I was fortunately knowledgeable enough to recognize. Always be sure to research everything that has to do with your care like drugs, treatments, doctors, etc. Doctors and other medical personnel are human and they make mistakes way more often than many people realize. If you're knowledgeable about your various medical conditions, medications, etc. you are better able to advocate for yourself and more likely to catch a mistake being made which can literally save your life.

February 21
A MyBCTeam Member

Anastrozole can increase cholesterol levels and possibly triglycerides.

February 22
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you for your post.
I totally agree that we all need to be proactive, highly informed, and confirm everything.

💜💜💜💜💜

February 21
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

I seriously think that magnesium tablets help with sleep.
If your first Dr. recommended them for sleep and it was helping, then this should be looked at again.

Did the PA know that you were taking magnesium for sleep problems?

This is a PA too. Does she have a background in knowing what to suggest for sleep problems or suggest any substitutes for your sleep problems?
If not, then she is subtracting something that was helpful without a new remedy.

February 20
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

Unfortunately, Letrozole can increase cholesterol and triglycerides too.

February 22

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