Hormone Therapy and Real Breast Cancer Risk Explained by Menopause Doctor
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Hormone Therapy and Real Breast Cancer Risk Explained by Menopause Doctor// Are you confused about the risk of breast cancer from the use of hormone therapy? Or, perhaps worried about the risk Dr. Heather Hirsch breaks down the real risk of breast cancer from the use of hormone therapy at menopause in this video, and luckily, it is much lower than you think! Check out this video if you are considering hormone therapy but worried about breast health for the real facts about breast health at menopause.
#Menopause #Breastcancer #HeatherhirschMD
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TELL ME BELOW: WAS THIS HELPFUL IN BREAKING DOWN THE FEARS OF BREAST DISEASE IF USING HORMONE THERAPY?!
Very helpful thank you.
Very helpful
It was helpful, but not to me personally. I had estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer, 20 years ago, and I am suffering through menopause now. You never addressed if women who had breast cancer can take hormone therapy replacement. This is a big population of women that should be addressed. Thank you!
I had invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2 and reversed it without surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. I am normal weight, don't drink, but I feel there is a huge component to do with unprocessed trauma. I by the way am now back on bi-est after doing a major liver cleanse and clearing out the unprocessed grief of losing 5 important people in my life in the previous five years. It only took 6 months to eliminate the tumor and all my scans for the past 2 years have been clear in both breasts. My new book coming out documents how I did it, naturally. BreastQuake
On/Gyn here. I think you need to clarify that the breast can ER risk in the WHI was associated with medroxyprogesterone acetate and NOT progesterone progesterone is an extremely useful hormones even if you don’t have a uterus. Sleep, mood, hot flash reduction etc etc. and there is research showing no increased risk of breast cancer. Your comments about progesterone are misleading. You also should clarify that the often quote 1:8 baseline risk for breast cancer is NOT in the general population. It is in women who reach the age of 85. Life time risk. Again, misleading.
I was also very confused when she said that.. she couldn't have meant to say "progesterone"??
My breast surgeon stopped my HRT because I contracted breast cancer which was estrogen and progesterone positive. I wish I could take HRT again but they believe my breast cancer was caused by HRT. I now have to live with taking venaflaxine.
😢 So frustrating!!!
That's a shame. You still do have options. Find a knowledgeable provider that will help you! I know it's easier said than done :(
Oh my gosh, LOVE this. Perfect timing...I really needed to hear this. I started HRT end of December and am feeling great as well, but do worry about breast cancer risks. I also worry a lot about gaining weight. I feel like I am gaining a few pounds. I definitely crave goodies more, which I haven't for quite some time. I workout daily and do intermittent fasting, which always helped me keep my weight down. I would be lying if I said weight gain doesn't concern me. Thank you so much for sharing all your great information with us! I am so glad I found you ❤️
Thank you! Hope this eases your fears! I also have a video on HT and weight so check those out next :)
6 years HRT this year breast cancer no family history or genetic positive testing. If you have dense breasts and on HRT mammograms are not enough! Er or positive her negative birad 2 mammogram dense breasts
I took estrogen and progesterone
I got breast cancer less then 2 years after starting hormone therapy
Same with almost everyone I know who took HRT for any length of time. I hope youcaught it early and are doing well now.
@@commonsense6967... a case of confirmation bias?
Me too
Were you taking bio-identical hormones or synthetic hormones made from chemicals & horse urine? Bio identical hormones are natural and do not cause breast cancer.
I only took two and 2 years ago and I have ER+ breast cancer. Had a double mastectomy in March 2024. And nothing but complications since. I am currently trying to figure out what I was taking that caused this because I was fit and healthy until I tried to fix my fatigue.
Hi Dr. Hirsch - thank you for this very thorough explanation. I am curious if you will speak about risk of use of HRT in those who have had breast cancer. I found the Swedish 10 year follow up to the 4 yr randomized study, which found there was no increased risk in breast cancer in treatment vs control groups. I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks for all of your wonderful work!
That's so reassuring! I am 43, and just starting to experience the very first signs of perimenopause. I am trying to inform myself as much as possible, as I really want to start combined HRT during the last stages of perimenopause. But I am so pro-HRT, that once I start, I will not want to stop in order get the "secondary" benefits of HRT. I know there is no limit to how long one can take HRT, but studies show that the longer one takes it, especially after 10 years, the higher the risk of breast cancer, right? I would love to hear your thoughts on that... Thank you for this video!
I’m so glad I found your videos. Your explanations of WHI statistics is so very helpful to me. I was on hormone therapy (pellets) and got scared off of them because of fears told to me by my gynecologist. Who by the way would not give me HRT. Also, the high cost of pellets didn’t help. My last pellets July 2019. For about a year since I have felt horrible and so days can barely function because of the myriad of symptoms of menopause. I started researching and found NAMS. I am scheduled to see a menopause specialist. FYI, I saw your video about pellets so I seeking HRT in a different medium. Thank you for your work.
A video so good, I've already watched it twice! Thank you so much.
I've saved this and shared this with friends already. I know I'll watch it again every time I see those scary headlines.
Also - I loved your advice about IUD for progesterone (I still have my uterus) from your previous video, and my OB fitted my IUD last Wednesday. (I'm also happily using Estradot for my estrogen.)
Your podcasts are awesome too! Thank you for all of your work to help educate women worldwide about menopause! XX
WOOT! That is awesome! Seems like this was a fan-favorite so far!
Thanks for all the info Heather! Super helpful! I’m curious on your thoughts and the risks for HRT for someone that is BRCA positive as well as a breast cancer survivor (triple negative). I find so much conflicting information and I’m not sure where to look for good info so I was hoping you had some thoughts.
Thanks,
Rose
Progesterone ( bio identical) can decrease breast tenderness caused by Estrodiol!
I just was referred to you from a friend who you are currently treating with hormone therapy. I will definitely be calling you Monday . You are a wealth of knowledge and I have a much better understanding of hormone replacement therapy just by your videos. Finally, I feel there is hope for my situation. 💗
That is great to hear! Looking forward to meeting you.
Thank you your videos and for advocating that hormone therapy may be ok even if you have a family member who had breast cancer. I know through genetic testing that I should be ok, but sadly so many doctors (even women) just consider it a non-starter. Trying to find a practitioner in Boston area who would not have that viewpoint. Thanks again! 😊
Thank you so much! So helpful, it has been in the back of my mind since starting HRT. I have learned alot and I appreciate you using your profession and talent to help others. Thank you again!!!!
You are so welcome! I want you all my watchers to take EVERYTHING into consideration!
I’ve had Fear of breast cancer if taking HRT because my mom got breast cancer after taking HRT after she had a hysterectomy..... and a work colleague as well a as other women I’ve known.
Same with most all of the breast cancers of my family and friends.
Now I'm confused 😂. I want to go back on HRT. Thank you so much, this video was so informative. 😊
A much needed video, thank you
Thanks so much! Much requested!
Great info!!! I am lucky that I have a NAMS certified gynecologist that put be in hrt last year, just got more blood work and doing some adjustments.
I have had two doctors tell me that progesterone will be good for me; I'm 42 years old, I was diagnosed with very very early stage endometrial cancer and had a full hysterectomy. No cancer cells were found after the hysterectomy. I have been told that progesterone will help me with sleep, and mood; what do you think..?
I had a tiny spot of estrogen positive dcis stage one cancer. Had a lumpectomy with lymph node biopsy a year ago. It had not spread. Yay! 20 rounds of radiation I also had a radical hysterectomy 4 years ago ( not cancer related) so no ovaries. I was on estrogen patch within a mo🙄 of hysterectomy but of course I can't have estrogen now. Drs all said breast cancer started way before I started the patch so it was not to blame. It was also not hereditary. I miss it so much! I would recommend HRT to everyone! I feel like a completely different person without it and not in a good way. LoL. Dr Hirsch is there anything that you know of I can take that will help? I am taking low dose Zoloft for hot flashes but that's the only thing it helps with. I keep hoping there will be more research showing it's okay with breast cancer. 😓 Maybe it's midwest drs they say no estrogen once you have breast cancer. Thanks for all you do!
I'm 100% with you. I'm not the same person. My life, once vibrant and productive, is now awful and full of medication to stop each symptom. Which don't work effectively. I hate this.
No it's here too. I'm in New England.
Maybe find a telehealth provider that will help you. It is not necessarily contraindicated in those that have had breast cancer!! There is hope!
We shouldn't even be citing that shameful WHI study, it's the reason women have been given antidepressants, birth control pills, and anti-anxiety meds instead of HRT!
I have not used HRT because I am a breast cancer survivor and don’t want to risk recurrence. In addition, my doc will not prescribe it.
Find someone that will! You still have options!!
@@nursekate3124 I’m estrogen receptor positive. 😢
Thank you for educating us.💕I’m a breast cancer survivor, 6 years now, had hysterectomy, but oncologist not a fan of estrogen, says can cause cancer to return. Currently taking estradiol. Is that better than Intrarosa?
You can safely use vaginal estradiol or the prasterone (DEAH) in my opinion, but work great.
I have a very strong family history of breast cancer including my sister and my mother.
I had a hysterectomy but still have my ovaries. I am 57 and assume i have gone through menopause already; most women in my family went through it at 53. I’ve always been told by doctors and my sisters that we shouldn’t take HRT bc of the high risk of breast cancer. So now listening to you i’m so confused now. help!
Well, it is entirely up to you! I don't think HT will increase your risk above your baseline. Do you want to live for you, or for your breasts?
@@heatherhirschMD Would you please clarify your statement here? Because I am hearing that it doesn't matter if she develops breast cancer as long as she feels better in the moment?
Your videos are amazing and wish I had found you sooner. Could you speak about HRT If you are 3 years post menopause? And what benefits HRT could offer if you are healthy and exercise but are constantly tired.
You can definitely start as the "window" is within ten years since menopause!
Dhea use? With progesterone and testosterone ? Your opinion would be appreciated
Hormone therapy has brought so much relief to me, after starting 2 months ago. I recently have had very sore/full breasts with erect nipples for the past week -wondering how long this will last. Using the gel estrogen and progesterone pill. It really helps so much! I was experiencing every symptom under the sun and even lost eyelashes before HRT
thank you for your videos because they help many women. 🧡
What is the name of your estrogen gel? My dr wouldn't prescript it for me and I am taking femhrt and still not get a good night sleep. Thank you.
@@paulineyu4472 Estrogel 17B-estradiol 0.06% transdermal gel. I like it but I am going to try the patch after my gel supply is used up simply because I think it’ll be more convenient but same effect. That’s too bad your Dr won’t prescribe it for you. That coupled with the progesterone works great and I was flashing every hour on the hour and through the night. I wish you well 😊
@@paulineyu4472
100 mg of micronized progesteron orally helps me to sleep like a baby!
Did you continue with HRT? I am experiencing full, sensitive breasts due to combined HRT pill. It feels like what I would experience close to my periods, only this is continuous.
@@dabeezkneez8716 yes I am currently still on HRT and have never experienced the symptoms you have mentioned. I just feel “normal” all the time now. I use the Estradot 37.5 patch and Apo Medroxy (oral Progesterone). I take the progesterone nightly and change my estrogen patch every 3-4 days.
Recently there was a shortage of the Estradot patches so my Dr put me a gel to take its place. It did not work as well as the patches.
Wonderful video and I definitely have a couple of friends I must share it with. I want to Thank you for all you share. I’m fairly new to your channel and I recently started taking BiJuva. I’m happy with this so far but have a couple of questions to you because I did not get all the answers from my dr. . I live on Long Island btw. Do you have any videos or can you answer, How do I know if I am getting enough hormones for preventative measures ( not just enough to feel better ) Also the cost is very high for this therapy and I wondered is that because it is more natural ingredients in it? Do you have any videos explaining any of this?
Such a shame so many women are suffering needlessly. Unfortunately breast cancer is common and 1 in 8 will get it whether or not they take HRT. This doesn't mean it is the HRT that caused it, particularly given that it takes years for a tumour to grow big enough to be detected. I also think the balance is wrong regarding progestogens - too much emphasis on preventing endometrial cancer which is 5 times less common than breast cancer and typically presents itself at a very early stage with abnormal bleeding. I personally will be seeking to minimise the progesterone burden, accepting a slightly raised risk of a very treatable cancer rather than negating the benefits of estradiol with high progesterone doses.
I had breast cancer at age 36 & have had a mastectomy & full hysterotomy. Would it be a good idea to ask my doctor about taking estrogen?
They won't do it in this country. Only low dose vaginally. So the lack of hormones doesn't take your last feminine feature. And I'm on Estring and I'm here to say it doesn't even do that.
hi. thanks for your videos. they are really helpful. i hope you could spare time for a couple of questions: if estrogens are relatively safe (younger women produce loads), why does it seem like menopausal women are issued with what are comparatively low dosages of estrogen? why can’t i for example, use 200mg of estradiol patch as opposed to 100, if having more estrogen benefits me (in relieving a host of symptoms)?
I am on HRT estradiol gel and progesterone 200 mg suppository. I use the estradiol everyday and progesterone 10 days / month. I have a bleed then. All was going well but now I can’t sleep. My anxiety and depression came back. What am I doing wrong? Or right? 🙏🙏🙏
I am a subscriber of yours and really love your vibe. Education is empowering! Im in Upstate, NY. Can you send me a link to your new office? Id love to be a patient.
Im on combi patch one month and yes Im fearful of breast cancer. Not sure who to believe or what to do. Wonering if a diaphram with progesterone vs. The progestin in the patch.
Hello wonderful Dr. Heather, I’m here from Angie’s channel Hot n Flashy. I had breast cancer (2009) went into menopause right away w chemo… then in 2017 tested and have the BRCA2 mutation :(. Had a double mastectomy at Lahey and oophorectomy in 2018. I wish I knew
you when I was living in Boston area. What are you recommending at your clinic now for non hormonal therapy? I would love to see you but I live in SoCal now in Orange County. There’s not a single supplement that’s helped me. I don’t want to go on and SSRI. It’s brutal. Thank you💖💗
What about if you have had breast cancer (stage 1, low genetic score for recurrence). My doctors will not prescribe HRT. I had my ovaries removed 2 1/2 years ago and I'm miserable. I have so many symptoms that have destroyed my quality of life. I am desperate. I've read studies from the UK that say HRT only increases chances of recurrence by 3%. I'm in NH and would love to see you to discuss but only if you can promise to improve my quality of life. I'm now at higher risks for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and Alheimer's due to surgical menopause. I'm desperate. The brain fog is the worst and I'm considering retirement at age 51. Please help. 🙏
what HRT is best for breastcancer survivor?
I'm wondering the same. I had a 7mm stage 1b pea sized IDC had a lumpectomy and radiation therapy and I cannot live without my HRT.
I’m also wondering same thing:)
@@crepesuzette5540 are you still on HRT? I had DCIS and my dr made me go off it but my menopausal symptoms are so bad that I would love to go back on it.
Me too. Please. I am begging you. 😢
Absolutely!
In a previous video, I commented about my hysterectomy and how my doctor refuses to put me on estrogen alone. In fact she has me on progesterone 200mg to help me sleep. Quite confusing to me. Please let me know how i can transition to become a patient in your NY office.
I had ER/PR + breast cancer. Dcis grade 2 and tubular cancer grade 1. I went off HRT and took Letrozole for 17 days. horrible! I’d rather have breast cancer. I have no fear of if it coming back ( I realize it may come back but I’ll deal with it IF and when it happens). I had a right sided mastectomy so I could have some feeling in my left breast. I felt so bad without estrogen, sick stomach, panic attacks, dizziness, dry hair, muscle ache. Then the hot flashes. EVERY HOUR DAY AND NIGHT! Would you consider HRT for me? I live on the east coast and would happily travel to your practice!
And the joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, lack of sleep, hair loss, low libido, dryness everywhere, my life was stolen overnight. It's awful.
Hi, so if progesterone is POSSIBLY the cause of increased breast cancer… will using the iud decrease the chance of breast cancer since the progesterone is localized to only the uterus?
That is a hypothesis that many menopause experts share!
Just clarifying this information is valid for breast cancer patients as well?
Thank You Sooo Much! Your channel is a blessing 🙏 a new Subbie here… because I know I will learn a lot from you doctor 👩🏻⚕️ Thx ☺️
Good day, I had a breast ultrasound a year and a half ago and there was a small lump but it was maybe less than 2mm big so my OB at that time was not that concerned. Now I am on progesterone for 3 months because of PCOS and thick lining. I am 33 years old, is it okay? I wasn't able to mention this to my new OB because I wasn't aware.
Is there an IUD option for natural micronized progestin?
Great video
Hello, i just had a mammogram and was told I have dense breasts and have an increased risk of breast cancer, should I avoid BHRT? No breast cancer in family.
Is there any recommendation for women who are in hrt and which COVID vaccines would be best? I’m thinking regarding blood clots etc.
No such data on that! But I don't see any reason to wait for it (likely won't come) to get a vaccine.
If you can’t tolerate 100 mg of micronized progesterone orally can you take same form vaginal and have less side effects and tolerable it better.
Possibly. Or consider the progesterone IUD- I have a video on that too
Does this include estradiol .5 mg
What if one had a grade 1 breast cancer estrogen sensitive 10 years ago can I take hrt again please 🙏
Hi Dr Hirsch, thank you so much for the information. I just started the estradiol patch .05mg and oral progegterone 100mg a month ago, sadly I was allergic to the latex and my dr put me on Femhrt (ethiny estradiol 2.5mcg and norethindrone acetate 0.5mg) it caused bleeding and my dr wants me to reduce the Femhrt in half. I don't know with such a low dosage will protect my brain, heart, bone, breast and uterus health. My dr said I can't judge the dosage because they are different thing.
This is TRUE! some women's bodies just need a tiny bit and that is all it takes! I agree.
@@heatherhirschMD Thank you Dr. Hirsch for your response. My mom has AD I take hormone therapy is to prevent from AD, How would I know that I am taking enough estrogen to protect my brain down the road ? Is there a minimum estrogen dosage that you would suggest to take for brain protection? Is there a blood test to find out that I have good level of estrogen for brain protection? Thanks again.
What are my options if hrt was refused, by several doctors, for me after having blood clot in lungs for no apparent reason? I have had a partial hysterectomy (uterus removed only) and early onset menopause and suffer from many menopausal symptoms. Ty
Hi, that is definitely a hard one, as a pulmonary embolism can be life threatening! You might not be a good candidate for HT.
@@heatherhirschMD ty.
I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer that is ER/PR positive. I also have dense breasts. I have been taking Vagifem for years and it wasn't helping much I finally got a gynecologist who upped it to daily for some months last year, and has now put me to 3x a week. I am really scared that (a) I caused it with vagifem and (b) it will now be recommended that I stop. Please, what are your thoughts.
Very unlikely. I was on continuous (no period) estrogen/progesterone birth control for ten years prior due to suspected endometriosis. I ended up with hormone positive breast cancer at 47. I blamed it on my prescribed hormones. I never felt better when I was on them. Then I took out my ovaries to reduce chances of a recurrence, which caused surgical menopause. I am now like the walking dead.
Oh and yes, I had to stop the hormones immediately after surgery. I stayed on until I ran out. You will get through your cancer. ❤
I am considering HRT, but was recently told that I have dense breast tissue. How does this factor into taking HRT? Does it further elevate my risk of breast cancer (as compared to someone with fatty breast tissue)?
I have dense breasts as well. Am on hrt. 2mg oral estradiol and 1 mg of progesterone. I believe it's just harder to detect in dense breasts. But they have digital mammograms to see better. I don't believe dense breasts are any increased risk.
As a breast cancer survivor with dense breasts, I can say for sure it's harder to detect according to my doctors. But don't let that stop you. Live your life! With no hormones my life is a living hell.
I wish she would had answered you, in same boat
Do use prescribe estrogen to women with migraine with aura?
Yes, it is a lower dose that birth control tabs. Often recommend to use transdermal to be on the safe side.
@@heatherhirschMD Thank you for replying
Do you have a discussion of stage 4 endometriosis leading to total complete hysterectomy at 50 and HOW soon after can you start on HRT? 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 🤔 Because, guess what endometriosis can come back! 😮😮😮😮 And then LOSE 20kgs!
Thanks for all the info Heather! Super helpful! I’m curious on your thoughts and the risks for HRT for someone that is BRCA positive as well as a breast cancer survivor (triple negative). I find so much conflicting information and I’m not sure where to look for good info so I was hoping you had some thoughts.
Thanks,
Rose