Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk: Separating Fact from Fear

Hormone therapy can be a powerful tool for managing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and vaginal dryness. But for many women, one question stops them from seeking treatment: Does hormone therapy increase the risk of breast cancer?

At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP take a balanced, evidence-based approach to this important question. This blog breaks down the latest research, clarifies the types of hormone therapy, and helps you understand your individual risk profile.

Why Women Are Afraid of Hormone Therapy

Concerns about hormone therapy and breast cancer became widespread after the early 2000s publication of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. Headlines at the time suggested that hormone therapy posed significant cancer risks.

But many didn’t realize that those results were misunderstood, oversimplified, and misrepresented in some cases. Since then, newer research has given us a clearer picture- and it’s not as alarming as once believed.

Understanding the Types of Hormone Therapy

Not all hormone therapy is the same. There are important differences that affect risk:

• Estrogen-only therapy (ET): Prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy

• Combined estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT): Used for women with an intact uterus to prevent endometrial overgrowth

• Bioidentical hormone therapy: Plant-based hormones that chemically match those produced by your body

  
  

At Complete Healthcare, Dr. Lorenzo and Kortney Jones assess each patient’s medical history, preferences, and goals before recommending the most appropriate therapy.

What Does the Research Say?

Here’s what we now know based on updated research:

Estrogen-only therapy (ET):

• Does not increase breast cancer risk

• In fact, it may slightly reduce the risk when started close to menopause

• Safe for many women when started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause

Combined estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT):

• May slightly increase risk after 3 to 5 years of use

• The risk is considered small and dose-dependent

• Risk returns to baseline within 3 to 5 years after stopping therapy

  
  

The absolute risk for most women is low. For example, if 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime, using hormone therapy for a few years might raise that number slightly—by about one additional case per 1,000 women per year.

Factors That Influence Your Personal Risk

When evaluating hormone therapy for each patient, Complete Healthcare considers:

• Age at menopause

• Family history of breast cancer

• Personal history of abnormal mammograms or biopsies

• Weight, alcohol use, and lifestyle

• Length of time since menopause

• Type and dose of hormones used

Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP, use these factors to determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate and how to minimize any potential risks.

How to Use Hormone Therapy Safely

For women who qualify, hormone therapy can be life-changing. To use it safely, we recommend:

• Starting within 10 years of menopause, ideally before age 60

• Using the lowest effective dose for symptom relief

• Choosing the right formulation, such as transdermal patches or bioidentical pellets

• Scheduling regular breast exams and mammograms

• Reassessing annually to review symptom control and overall health

At Complete Healthcare, we offer a wide range of hormone therapy options, including bioidentical estrogen and progesterone, pellet therapy, and topical or oral formulations.

Are There Alternatives?

Yes. If you prefer not to use hormone therapy or if it is not recommended for you, there are several non-hormonal options, including:

• SSRIs or SNRIs for hot flashes and mood symptoms

• Gabapentin or clonidine for night sweats

• Vaginal moisturizers and low-dose vaginal estrogen for dryness

• Lifestyle and nutritional approaches to support hormone balance

Our team will discuss all options and help you make an informed choice.

Trust the Experts in Women’s Health

At Complete Healthcare in Richland, WA, we understand that hormone therapy decisions can feel overwhelming. That’s why Dr. Richard Lorenzo and Kortney Jones, ARNP, provide clear, evidence-based guidance for every patient.

We do not push hormone therapy on anyone. Instead, we educate you, present the facts, and tailor treatment to your unique needs, preferences, and risk profile.

Schedule Your Hormone Consultation

If you're struggling with menopause or perimenopause symptoms and want to learn more about hormone therapy, call Complete Healthcare at 509-392-6700 or book your consultation online.