Written by Mark Williams - February 12, 2023
Many are now questioning the safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) following recent studies linking it to a higher risk of breast cancer. It’s important for women considering this treatment to understand the potential risks and benefits, including the potential link between HRT and breast cancer.
Currently, research into the exact percentage of breast cancers caused by HRT is ongoing. A 2019 study published in the BMJ examined 5 million British women and found that those who had used HRT were 20% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who had never taken it. Another study from 2020 found that women taking estrogen-only HRT faced up to a 38% increased risk while those taking estradiol plus progestin faced up to a 75% increased risk.
Despite these findings, many experts caution against drawing strong conclusions until further studies are done to observe long-term implications of hormone use in different populations with various medical histories and lifestyles. While some scientists have suggested that even short-term use could lead to an increase in risk, others believe that other factors may play a bigger role in increased risk such as age, race, lifestyle choices or genetics.
Estrogen levels can naturally fluctuate due to age, nutrition, lifestyle choices or health issues such as menopause or pregnancy. Additionally, certain medications like oral contraceptives or birth control pills may reduce or increase estrogen levels depending on how they are administered and their content formula.
Using hormone replacement therapy can also give rise to changes in estrogen levels which may affect the likelihood of developing breast cancer over time. Hormone drugs containing estrogens like Premarin or Estrace often contain animal derivatives which may act differently than naturally produced ones when ingested by humans. These synthetic hormones can create disruptions in the body’s natural hormonal balance which has been linked with increased risk for developing some forms of cancers such as uterine and ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer.
Women should consider talking to their doctor about any potential risks involved with taking medications containing estrogens before making any decisions regarding treatment options and lifestyle alterations which might help reduce their risks further**.* Here are some suggestions your physician might recommend:
Hormone Treatment Center offers safe and effective hormone treatments tailored specifically around individual needs. Our team uses only natural ingredients so that you receive maximum benefit while avoiding dangerous side effects associated with traditional synthetic hormones. Visit us today at Hormone Treatment Center for more information!