Dense Breasts as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer - 376 | Menopause Taylor

You’re probably familiar with the term “dense breasts.” You may even have dense breasts. And I’ve already taught you that dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer. But do you know why they are? Can you think of any logical reason that more of a normal part of your breast anatomy would put you at greater risk of breast cancer? That’s what I’ll address in this video.
Download my Risk Factors for Breast Cancer chart here: menopausetaylo...
Visit my website: menopausetaylo...
Click here to print the worksheet: menopausetaylo...
Click here to find the outline notes: menopausetaylo...
Watch every Menopause Taylor episode from the beginning: • Watch the Menopause Ba...
Check out my book, Menopause: Your Management Your Way ... Now and for the Rest of Your Life: menopausetaylo...
Click to listen to my Radio Show: The State of Menopause in the World Today - www.iheart.com...
Connect with me on social media:
Facebook: / menopausetaylor
Twitter: / barbietaylormd
Instagram: / menopausetaylor
Pinterest: / drbarbarataylor

[@jenniferannfox2316]

I just had a mammogram result that said normal but dense breasts. It's my opinion that radiologists can't see the tissue well with denser breasts and this is why it's more of a risk factor. Not the fact that dense breasts cause cancer but that it's hard to determine by radiologists as much.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Upcoming videos will explain all this in detail.

[@cryptogrrls]

Thanks! This was very reassuring! Btw my doctor said it's because the mammogram machine can't see things in dense breasts as well it can see things in non-dense breasts

[@isabellesender]

My sis in law had 4 children in her early 20s. She breast fed all of them. She led a clean lifestyle. Started her periods at 14, pre menopause at 42. She had very dense breasts. She was diagnosed with IBC at 44 6 months after a negative mammogram. She passed at age 46. We have so much to learn still. However, i am extremely grateful for you valuable content. Thank you doctor.💕💕💕

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I am so sorry about this. But risk factors are only risk factors. All smokers do not get lung cancer, even though it is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Life is certainly not fair.

[@janinedance102]

I’m happy and feel fantastic since I started on Femoston 1/10 at 50 in perimenopause. Thanks Barbie.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I love helping you, my dear. And I love it when you feel fantastic.

[@kimim2702]

Interesting, the letter I received with my mammogram results, said that cancer was hard to detect in dense breasts (mine), but said nothing about dense breasts being a risk factor for cancer.

[@jenniferannfox2316]

I think radiologists put this often to cover their ....... for liability.

[@karimaogden3875]

​@@jenniferannfox2316You're right! That way they shift the liability to your doctor which unfortunately, doesn't always tell you either because they don't think it's important or simply doesn't want to take the time to explain things in detail.

[@ejbooks]

Excellent video. Full of information. When I received my last mammogram, this year, it stated I had high density tissue and should have an ultrasound. I am 72, but decided against it since Medicare doesn’t cover it. Now I am thinking I should. Wish we had better doctors to help us with these decisions.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@janinedance102]

Because of watching all your videos Barbie. I really don’t feel I need a consultation with you. I did all my research listening to you and my body and I’m confident in bridging the gap between perimenopause and menopause at 51 with HRT. I’m feeling absolutely fantastic on Femoston 1/10 thanks to all your information, confidently knowing how to do menopause my way and I tell my friends about you too. I’m sure you agree that because of all your videos and book, not every single woman feels the need to have a consult with you? Bless you. 🌸

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I'm so thrilled that you have confidence in your ability to manage your menopause successfully. I love giving you this education. And just know that I'm available if you ned me.

[@janinedance102]

@@MenopauseTaylor Thankyou Barbie. That’s comforting to know

[@isol]

Going back to video 356!! Will be here soon! Thanks Taylor for educating us and caring about our wellbeing.

[@dawndarling3027]

I have an annual breast ultrasound along with my mammogram due to my high breast density. Depending on your insurance you may have to get special authorization but in my case it has always been covered. Definitely talk to your provider about it if you have been told you have dense breasts.

[@trishdadish21]

Wow! Just read your FAQ on your website. I’ve always found your YT videos fascinating and SO educational, but now to know a little more about you is enlightening. This video hits home BIG time. I was just speaking to my cousin about dense breasts and now I know my phone was definitely listening, because this video popped up for me to watch. Hee hee I had no clue dense breast with all factors mentioned are an increased risk for BC. I developed very early, have had at least 444+ periods and no pregnancies/breastfeeding. I feel like there were other things I’m forgetting to mention, that make me a higher risk factor. I clearly need a consultation, and will definitely request one just as soon as I can afford it. I know the value will be life saving. ❤ Thank you for these videos in the meantime. 🤗

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I look forward to meeting you and helping you when you're able to have a consultation. You will benefit greatly.

[@mirellagentil3712]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@MenopauseTaylor]

You are so very welcome, my dear.

[@mirandawrites9311]

Thank you Dr. Taylor! Too late for me, was just diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER2- breast cancer. I wish I had known all this earlier.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@mirandawrites9311]

@@MenopauseTaylor Thank you Dr! I scheduled a consultation with you and filling out the questionnaire 😊

[@MenopauseTaylor]

@@mirandawrites9311 I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@Marge-]

Very informative video. Almost scary as I have dense breasts, fibrocystic breasts, have started HRT and did not have this information and now my cysts have increased. No-one talks about dense breasts & Internet doctors advocate HRT but I’ve never come across one doctor talking about this apart from Dr Taylor. Very irresponsible.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

You deserve to know everything, with all the benefits and risks of all your options Then, the decisions should be yours.

[@kafigueroa1]

Same I get a mammogram every year it comes back dense breaststroke.

[@rebekahdavis9052]

Very good information! I can’t wait to get a copy of your book!

[@MenopauseTaylor]

You will find that you refer to the book over and over again.

[@portalsandpathways]

Thank you, Dr Taylor!!

[@lostieaddict]

Amazing video and information, thank you so much for the education!

[@MenopauseTaylor]

You are so welcome.

[@rebekahraymond4412]

This is really good to know. I have my mammo coming up. Maybe I should ask for an ultrasound as well based on what I've learned here. ..

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Always do whatever gives you peace of mind.

[@kittenclawsguitarvideos6147]

Thank you so much for your videos. I have dense breast tissue. My mom had breast cancer twice. I have been eating a super healthy diet, and I get regular mammograms. I look forward to the day when we will find a cure or better treatment.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Please consider scheduling a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME if you'd like me to tailor everything specifically to YOU. The power is in the tailoring. I do them all online.

[@KantiUniverse]

Amazing video! Could you please make a video of the relationship between Birth Control Pills and Breast? I’m 40 years old, no children, with very dense breast and vaginal fibroids. My doctor sent me to take a low dose of contious Birth Control pills to control the side effects of the fibroids, however I feel my breast are tender more often. I heard for pre-menopause women that never had children, is advantageous to take BCP, to easy the symptoms of menopause while stopping ovulation for some years (like if you were pregnant) Could you please elaborate in this subject and the impact of BCP in premenopausal women, reproductive system and Breast health or risk factors?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I will address that in later videos. But you really need a consultation to tailor it all specifically to YOU. This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@salviaprezzemolo2165]

Yikes! I've been getting mammograms yearly for 15 years. Every year, I get a letter from the radiologist informing me that (s)he could see nothing because my breasts are extremely dense, but reminding me to get another mammogram next year nonetheless to minimize my risk. I was just starting to think to quit doing them altogether and look into getting an ultrasound instead. Per usual, thank you for this video.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Subsequent videos will address this.

[@natashaarvanitis332]

My yearly mammogram includes an ultrasound as well. I think the 2 together are better at screening especially as I too have dense breasts.

[@salviaprezzemolo2165]

Thank you. I'll ask the mammogram people about that. My gyn said that if they say yes, she'll put in an order. 🤞@@natashaarvanitis332

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I will address this in upcoming videos.@@natashaarvanitis332

[@deRose03]

Dr. Taylor, in the US they recommend annual mammograms while in many parts of Europe they do it once in 3 years because they assume there is a risk from radiation itself which can contribute to formation of cancer cells. It's not clear who is right/wrong.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Rose, Women are not robots. And all guidelines are made for robots. Please schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME so that I can help you do what's best FOR YOU. I do them all online. I look forward to meeting you and helping you, my dear.

[@MusicLover-ui9sm]

So sad that Suzanne Somers just died from breast cancer Sunday the day before her 77th birthday

[@theworldofjuniperthecat1307]

No she didn’t. She had a head Injury.

[@winning3329]

​​@@theworldofjuniperthecat1307no that's not true. Suzanne has battled breast cancer for years and it finally took her life. I know this because I am a fan since 3 company's was on TV

[@lostieaddict]

@@MusicLover-ui9sm Hey you are totally right. I'm sorry for my previous comment. I appreciate you actually explaining it to me, there was a lot of confusion as to how she died. I looked up what you said last night and you are right, it was breast cancer. It's important to know the facts and also the risk of breast cancer, Thanks.

[@yvettebennett6170]

I did not know this. I just watched an interview she did with someone last week. Wow. She was a beautiful person inside and out.

[@Good2.A.T]

Thank you Dr. Taylor! I have dense breast, started cycling early, had one full term baby at 30 and breast fed for 3 months. I went into menopause at age 53. Not liking my odds but what do we do about it?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@stuffstuffstuffyay]

thanks for your lessons, brilliant as always. I have dense breasts too, but now a lot less so after my surgical meno. They usually do a mammo on me every year, sometimes twice a year, and usually with the added ultrasound too. So far so good :)

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME if you want me to tailor everything to YOU. I do them all online.

[@knackfulknitter]

Hello dense breasts. I will learn all about them here at Menopause University. Thank you for this invaluable education. Love and admiration to you…💐☺💕 (and see you next week!)

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I'm blowing you a big kiss!

[@knackfulknitter]

Caught it!!!! @@MenopauseTaylor

[@christinehoffman1825]

That was great. Thank you 😊😊😊

[@MenopauseTaylor]

You are ever so welcome, my dear.

[@shellcshells2902]

Thank you 😊

[@MenopauseTaylor]

It's my pleasure.

[@TtowneMs1013]

Would it help to just remove them? I do not need them.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@andreafabiana3161]

It am very interested to watch your next video Dr Taylor as I am very curious to know if adding a scan to the mammogram, which is recommended as the standard good practice, does increase the risk. In some countries they recommend mammo plus scan once a year. In the UK, where you know, we don't rank well in many things health-related, they do a mammogram every 5 years! I had my first one this year (in the UK, abroad I did them many times before, last one was in 2019), because I turned 50 recently, and is part of their 'guidance', but they didn't offer me a scan. I am considering going privately for the scan. And I am also considering re-start going abroad each year or every 2 years to get the mammo plus scan done more frequently.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I'll teach you everything in these videos. But, if you want me to tailor it all specifically to YOU, schedule a consultation with me at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I do them all online.

[@betha59]

This video has me scared. I am 64 no pregnancies ever with dense breasts. Yikes!

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@dianefletcher62]

I am the complete opposite of every risk factor that you gave I had started my Menses at 14 I found out at about age 18 I had ovarian cysts that's why I got my period maybe once or twice a year got pregnant at 23 breastfed for 2 years have four more children until the age of 36 which I breastfed at approximately 2 years each for those that's the total of 10 years of breastfeeding and 45 months of being pregnant. At age 62 I found out that I had stage zero ductal breast cancer which really surprised me because I was always under the impression breastfeeding and pregnancy did help in the area of not getting breast cancer. So I have very dense breasts I don't get it I must be just an anomaly

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@cindyp2490]

What are your thoughts on the new “tear test” that may detect cancer in dense breasts?

[@karenwinkler6627]

Quick question for you does femhrt 0.5 mg norethindrone acetate and 2.5 mcg ethinyl estradiol meet the estrogen requirements to prevent menopause diseases?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Karen, Women are not robots. Nothing is right for all women. And nobody but your own body can tell you what's right FOR YOU. This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@deboralove3986]

Does estrogen from vaginal estrogen tablets enter into your bloodstream

[@MenopauseTaylor]

No, the estrogen molecules in products for vaginal symptoms only are too large to enter your bloodstream. They have zero risk, and the package insert is a huge lie.

[@customer_care_channel]

Do you have any videos on milk production please? I had my first via emergency c section and then didn't produce milk. Any advice please?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I do not have any videos on this. My channel focuses on menopause. I may be able to help you with this in a consultation, which you can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I do them all online.

[@pattyosgood5821]

I’m on BHRT for menopause. I was suffering extremely bad from it. I was just told that I have extremely dense breasts and they also did a mammogram and an ultrasound because I found a lump and they found 2 Fibroadenomas. Said recheck in 6 months. My question is do women with extremely dense breasts stay on BHRT or is that too risky? I cannot imagine my life without being able to take it but I definitely don’t want breast cancer either. Ty Taylor

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Patty, This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@kimp1848]

I had my first of 3 kids at the age of 26 and breast fed all three for nine months. My menstrual cycle started at age 14 1/2 years old and ended at age 51 which puts me around 380 cycles. Also had a miscarriage in the second month of a 4th pregnancy. I have very dense breasts but none of the other risk factors that create them🤔

[@MenopauseTaylor]

That's because there is a long list of risk factors. I've presented the whole list in this unit.

[@marblehead3180]

Is dense breast tissue the same as lumpy breast tissue?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Yes, it is.

[@marblehead3180]

@@MenopauseTaylor interestingly enough a specialist (in Germany) told me lumpy breasts don’t get breast cancer. He said in all of his years of practice (he was an older doctor) he had never seen it. 🤷‍♀️

[@jeanetteraichel8299]

Woohoo I got to class on time. True, it's my lunch, but still early. I just had my Squish Squish da boobs test yesterday. My breasts are not dense....they're sad n saggy. I had PCOS with amenorrhea, so no clue if I ovulated or not. I'll just hope to not get it.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

You see, it's all trade-offs. Dense breasts are more shapely. But saggy breasts have less risk of breast cancer.

[@reneeb9319]

What happen if you had a hysterectomy and have dense breast? Also, can wearing estrogen patches increase breast size and dense breast? My breast seem to keep growing since I been on estrogen going up several breast sizes.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@reneeb9319]

Thank you so much for replying I will definitely schedule a consultation in the near future.

[@MenopauseTaylor]

I look forward to meeting you and helping you, my dear.@@reneeb9319

[@mrseternaldancer]

What if I have no other risk factors but have dense breast?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@musicwithkathyfranklin6513]

This is very interesting. I had my first period at age 16. My last was at age 53 1/2, so menopause was official one year later at age 54 1/2. My cycles were 32 days in length, so I had 12 periods per year, not 13. My first pregnancy was at age 25 and my second was at age 31. I breast fed daughter number 1 for 35 months. My periods returned when she was 21 months old. My second daughter was breastfed for 37 months and my periods returned when she was 18 months old. According to your method, I had a menstrual life of 358. (I do not believe I should actually subtract 72 months of breastfeeding since my periods returned before my children completely weaned.) Why do you have women subtract the total number of months they breast fed when most American women have their periods return before their babies are weaned? Most American women do not breastfeed the way our ancient ancestors did. That is, on demand, round the clock, and until the baby weans around age three. Most women are supplementing with bottles, are afraid to sleep with their infants because of fear mongering by certain agencies, and most certainly do not breastfeed in such a way to suppress their fertility. In my 13 years working with La Leche League I only encountered one other woman who had the same issue I faced with my children - over-production of milk. I could have easily fed triplets. Had I lived in an earlier century, I would have made a great wet nurse! Despite having a menstrual life of 358, I have dense breasts. My second question is, do post-menopausal women who were super milk factories retain any of the glandular tissue, thereby making their breasts appear dense, or is the dense appearance all due to fibrous tissue?

[@MenopauseTaylor]

This is precisely the kind of thing for which I do one-on-one consultations. You definitely need one. I cannot tailor things specifically to you in a comment box. It requires much more information than you can give me here, and you deserve much more information than I can give you here. No two women are alike, and addressing your situation requires tailoring all the facts specifically to YOU. I do them all via online video conferencing. You can schedule at MenopauseTaylor.ME. I look forward to meeting you and helping you.

[@musicwithkathyfranklin6513]

I do plan on scheduling a consultation with you in the very near future. I was not expecting you to give any kind of individualized response to my query. I was just curious about how, in general, the length of time that breastfeeding causes cessation of menstrual periods, impacts breast cancer risk. I had heard for years that nursing that leads to cessation of periods was protective, but nursing after the resumption of periods was not. Your video classes seem to hint that that would be true.@@MenopauseTaylor

[@MenopauseTaylor]

Most of what people "hear" is either untrue or only half the story. And it is never specific to the one and only you.@@musicwithkathyfranklin6513

[@leslieharari8755]

So.....I have dense breasts and am on hormones at 66. Do hormones increase the risk for cancer???

[@lori3637]

My doctor prescribed me HRT and I have dense breast tissue 🤷‍♀️

[@MenopauseTaylor]

While dense breasts may increase your risk of breast cancer, they mostly make detecting early breast cancer more difficult. Think of it like this: You've heard the term "fibrocystic disease," right. Well, there is no such thing as "fibrocystic disease!" Breasts consist of fibrocystic tissue. So, calling it a disease is like calling curly hair "curly hair disease." It's normal. Fibrocystic tissue is naturally lumpy. And it's thick. It's the dense, firm, shapely stuff that makes your breasts so attractive when you're young. It's the stuff that wins the wet T-shirt contest. So, it's very attractive. But, it's difficult to feel a tiny breast cancer through fibrocystic tissue when you do your breast exam. All those lumps get in the way of finding a mass that isn't just fibrocystic. And ... on mammogram, it's difficult to read. It's like trying to look through a glass of milk. The alternative to fibrocystic tissue is fatty tissue. With pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging, that fibrocystic tissue turns into fatty tissue. And fatty tissue is saggy and soft. So, you can't win the wet T-shirt contest with fatty breasts. And on breast exam, it’s very easy to feel a hard mass in the midst of a bunch of squishy, soft fat. And, it's very clear on mammogram. It’s like looking through a glass of water. It's clear and easy to read. Makes sense, doesn't it! So, we use ultrasound, MRI, aspiration, or biopsy to get additional information. DO NOT let the fact that you need additional testing freak you out or make you think you automatically have breast cancer. The most common reason a woman needs additional testing is simply because she has dense breasts. With pregnancies, breastfeeding, and aging, fibrocystic tissue is replaced with fatty tissue. Now, fatty tissue isn't nearly as sexy or firm. But, it's really easy to assess on mammogram. It's like looking through a glass of water. You may need to get other tests IN ADDITION TO mammograms. BE GLAD to get additional testing. It will make it that more certain of avoiding missing anything. HRT is not even a risk factor for breast cancer. I hope this gives you some peace of mind.

[@lori3637]

⁠@@MenopauseTaylor thank you for the load of information :) you’ve eased my mind ❤

[@MenopauseTaylor]

@@lori3637 You are so very welcome, my dear.