Thank you to anyone who joined me for my most recent Facebook Live event. I was joined by Jane Pangbourne, whose website is Menopausal Not Mad, and who presented a very well-balanced and informative view on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). She explained the risks and benefits of taking HRT, and addressed the question of whether HRT increases the risk of developing breast cancer. You can also connect with Jane via her very active, supportive Facebook group, The HRT Truth Collective.
You can watch the full discussion here:
Let’s put things into perspective
The risk of developing breast cancer associated with HRT depends on many factors, including the type of hormones used, the dosage, the length of the treatment and your age, and data should be interpreted with caution. The increased breast cancer risk from HRT is minimal. The British Menopause Society state the increased risk is equivalent to having two glasses of wine per day or using the contraceptive pill.
There is no increased risk of dying due to breast cancer following HRT treatment. Often, HRT benefits outweigh associated risks, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce them.
I realise that some people may frown upon me, a natural health therapist, giving a platform to HRT, but the fact of the matter is that it is widely used to treat a number of menopausal symptoms. It can be an effective option for women struggling with debilitating symptoms.
I also appreciate that not every woman chooses HRT or can have HRT to help their symptoms, due to personal preference or previous medical history. I am here to support these women as they seek natural remedies such as dietary and lifestyle changes, complementary medicine or supplementation.
At the end of the day, each woman’s journey through menopause is unique and it may require trying a range of HRT alternatives to help decide on the best way to manage symptoms. And if these options don’t work, then HRT can be life-changing and life-saving.
It’s up to each woman to decide what she wants to do, and what she wants to put in and on her body.
Some of the other questions answered during my chat with Jane included:
- Could you explain the different types of HRT – oral, patches, gels, sprays?
- What’s the difference between synthetic HRT and body-identical HRT?
- How long can a woman stay on HRT?
- How long does it take to feel a difference?
- How does a woman know which type of HRT she needs?
- Can HRT protect against dementia?
