Ep 20 | Does HRT Cause Breast Cancer?

In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs dive headfirst into the hot (flash) topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for breast cancer survivors. It’s complicated, it’s emotional, and yes, it’s got a healthy splash of perimenopause thrown in—because nothing says “fun” like navigating midlife with a side of oncology.

They talk all about the swirling myths, the clickbait headlines, and the TikTok “experts” who got their MDs from the comments section. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su even shares her own experience with breast cancer and menopause, adding a real-world lens to the science.

We’ve got real talk on estrogen’s role in cancer risk, the current scientific consensus on HRT post-diagnosis, and why early detection still matters.

You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what to actually bring up with your doctor (hint: not what Becky from Instagram said).

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:57] The “Influencer Effect”

[1:18] Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su’s experience with breast cancer and menopause

[7:40] The Gold Standard: Mammograms

[11:25] Alternative screening methods: myths and facts

[16:48] Estrogen’s role in breast cancer

[20:43] Understanding HRT & breast cancer

[30:24[ Tamoxifen & Aromatase inhibitors: a comparison

[39:22] Women’s health needs more research

Resources:

thewisdomstudy.org

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html