Is there a connection between estrogen and breast cancer? Maybe, but it may not be what you think. Gennev CEO Jill Angelo talks with Dr. Avrum Bluming, Dr. Joanne Weidhaas, and Gennev Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su on hormones, cancer risk, and the WHI study that changed everything.
Among them, these three doctors have decades of clinical experience, knowledge, and research, much of it focused on women and breast cancer. What their research has uncovered about estrogen, Hormone Replacement Therapy pros and cons, and breast cancer risk may surprise you.
HRT benefits and risks
In 2002, the results from the WHI (Women's Health Initiative) study were released, and demand for HRT dried up nearly overnight. According to the results, the study clearly showed an increased risk of breast cancer for women on estrogen replacement.
In the 18 years since, research has shown that the WHI study and results were deeply flawed, misleading, and in many cases, just plain wrong. But so deep is the fear of breast cancer, women are still reluctant to try a therapy that is the best we have to deal with hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Additionally, it appears estrogen may actually have a protective effect against breast cancer for some women, we know it is effective against osteoporosis, and it may help women avoid heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Slowly, women and doctors are beginning to have the conversation again.
We strongly encourage every woman to listen to this podcast, then make an appointment with a menopause-specialist OB/GYN near you to discuss the risks and benefits of HRT for her.
TRANSCRIPT TO FOLLOW
Are you taking, considering, or scared of HRT? Come talk about it with other women and with Gennev health care professionals in our online Gennev Community forums!
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