Although the debate over the safety of hormone replacement still rages in the press, it appears some semblance of common sense is beginning to be heard. Yes, we need more confirming studies, but today’s women – myself included – cannot be put on hold and forced to wait another 10 to 20 years until all of the definitive studies have been completed. As with so many other issues in medicine, physicians have to use their best clinical judgment based on the information available now. Each woman needs to make these decisions with input from her own physician.
Gina’s Journey: A Hysterectomy Story
I often have women tell me – “I wish I’d never had my ovaries removed because all my problems started after I had that surgery.” Women with benign disease are sometimes told, “You’ve had all your children. You might as well take everything out so you can’t get ovarian cancer.”
Considering Breast Cancer-Reducing Your Risk – Part 4 of 4
Where Do We Go From Here?
Key Points About Breast Cancer & Other Hormone Related Cancers
- More deaths occur from heart disease than the next 16 causes of death combined including diabetes, all cancers, AIDS and accidents
- A first pregnancy before age 25 protects against breast cancer
- Dense breasts on mammography increase risk of breast cancer
- Small breast cancers less than 2.1 cm (2.5 cm = 1 inch) have a lower mortality than large breast cancers
- Positive family history occurs in only 15-20% of women with breast cancer but is an indication for closer monitoring and possible genetic testing
- Bad estrogen” byproducts increase risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer
- Good estrogen” byproducts lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer and lower the risk of heart disease
Considering Breast Cancer-Reducing Your Risk – Part 3 of 4
Screening: The Importance of Early Detection
Tumor size greatly affects mortality. The smaller the tumor, the more likely it is to be confined to the breast and therefore more responsive to treatment. In a study of 83,686 cases of women with primary breast cancer with tumor sizes ranging from 0.3 cm to 5 cm, and no lymph node involvement, the smallest tumors were associated with a mortality of 10% while the larger tumors were associated with a mortality of 25%. In women with tumor sizes ranging from 0.3 cm to 5 cm and positive lymph nodes, those with the smallest tumors had a 20% mortality and those with the larger tumors had a 40% mortality. Studies show improved mortality when breast cancer is detected as a small lesion, especially if it’s less than 2 cm.
Considering Breast Cancer-Reducing Your Risk – Part 2 of 4
Risk Factors You Can Modify To Decrease Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Obesity
Obesity and weight gain during adult life increases risk of postmenopausal (but not premenopausal) breast cancer because fat tissue increases estrogen levels. The adverse effect of obesity on breast cancer is strongest in women who do not use HRT. In the Nurses’ Health study, women gaining 22 pounds or more after menopause increased their risk by 18% while losing at least 22 pounds lowered their breast cancer risk by 57%.
Considering Breast Cancer-Reducing Your Risk – Part 1 of 4
DEDICATION
Breast cancer is the most feared health problem for women. In a previous blog, I’ve pointed out that women experience more deaths each year from heart disease and strokes than breast cancer. I’ve given you specific data on the absolute risk of breast cancer.
Testosterone: Achieving a Delicate Balance
When a woman goes through menopause and her ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, the pituitary responds by increasing FSH, a hormone from the pituitary gland that has regulated these hormones throughout her reproductive life. However, when all the eggs have been depleted, no further estrogen or progesterone can be produced. Nonetheless, the pituitary, which is “hard-wired” to respond to low estrogen, continues to make increasingly higher levels of FSH.
Resuming HRT in Breast Cancer Survivors
I am often asked whether breast cancer survivors can ever safely initiate HRT. In addition, they are often taking estrogen blocker drugs, like tamoxifen, especially if their breast cancer was positive for estrogen receptors. These women frequently suffer severe symptoms of estrogen deficiency.
Feel Absolutely Empowered!

How Long Can I Safely Stay On My Hormone Therapy?
I am frequently asked the question, “How long can I safely stay on my hormone therapy? and I usually ask the woman, How long do you want to continue to feel well?” In all seriousness, there are no long-term studies that enable me to answer this question. Taking hormones less than five years seems to carry very little risk. However, the longer you take hormones the higher your risk.