Dr. Avrum Bluming and Heather Hirsch MD discuss Estrogen and Breast Cancer Risk

[@debrarodgers2311]

I recently retired as a licensed mental health therapist due to GSM. I didn't want to retire, my clients needed me, but I was in so much pain and honestly could not find appropriate medical attention. I went doctor shopping, and found lots of nitwits who told me to avoid coffee. I researched myself with my husband's help and got into pelvic floor therapy and began vaginal estrogen therapy (my PCP reluctantly prescribed after I was sobbing). I am so frustrated, although I am recovering slowly. I wish I could go back to work again. I am 67 and was hoping to work till 80. Mental health quite frankly can not afford to lose any more good clinicians to menopause symptoms! Geeez!!

[@lindajones4849]

Sorry GSM was so severe for you. You should have been given vaginal estrogen immediately. Because of your posting I asked my alternative medicine doc for intravaginal estrogen at the first mild symptoms of genital irritation. I told him of some of the on line postings of women having severe pain and that I thought I'd get a better response if we started early. I am hoping that with more time your symptoms will resolve. Remember it takes longer to reverse well established symptoms than to prevent them ( keep them from ever starting).

[@iss8504]

Your doctors are incompetent. My son in med school and his board exams clearly covered GSM and vaginally estrogen as the solution.

[@christinesaahnazer380]

Thank you, doctors. But what about women who are at increased risk of breast cancer?

[@mskim4552]

I’m on hrt and it’s been a life saver. I was open about it with friends but most talk to their doctor and get push back. Comments like “we don’t do that here” 😮 they think I’m nuts. I read Estrogen Matters and now just point people to the book and you channels. 5-7%! Wow!

[@Cerceify4645]

I've been on Estring for almost 20 years. Now Walgreens says they can't get it but I found a source and am calling my MD this week. My GYN retired and my cancer specialist with 3K patients got fed up with paperwork and moved to the V.A. hospital down the street.

[@athenachloewoodrow6356]

Wonderful man, dedicated doctor, and compassionate human being. I'm grateful for all you have done for women.

[@nicolemerz1731]

He is brilliant!!!❤

[@stephaniesteiner6028]

This

[@larajohnson8174]

Dr Bluming’s book “Estrogen Matters” which I read 5 years ago in 2018, changed my life. I immediately contacted my ob/gyne and argued that I wanted HRT. Wasn’t easy to convince her, but I’m now with a menopause specialist. Thank you Dr Bluming (and Dr Tavris who is his co-author).

[@normapenetta5940]

My doctor not only refused, he told me no place in the country would give it to me. He went on to say that he likes me but he has 4 children to feed and send to college and he wouldn’t risk losing his license. He then offered me a new med for hot flashes that can’t be used with a bad liver. I have NASH/ liver fibrosis. He talked down to me so badly that I left in tears. I wasn’t even that upset with the cancer diagnosis. I don’t know how to get the help I need or how to be “allowed” to chose my risks. I’m at an utter loss..

[@larajohnson8174]

@@normapenetta5940 I’m sorry your doctor treated you so poorly. If you are in the US, you could see if Dr Hirsch’s practice will accept you - I understand she works with patients online in the US. Good luck - you’ll find a good menopause doctor!

[@normapenetta5940]

@@larajohnson8174 thank you. Unfortunately she doesn’t do NJ. I can’t find anyone here.

[@lmartineau5761]

​@@normapenetta5940I'm with you. Why can't I decide the risk of recurrence or the risk of .... disability from joint pain after removing my ovaries. I couldn't handle anastrozole either. Went off it in two months, had my ovaries removed and have been enduring life ever since. Misery.

[@crepesuzette5540]

Thank you for this!!!! So important!!! True Women’s Health information!!! I have read Estrogen Matters. I’m a breast cancer stage 1a survivor and I will not live without estrogen and progesterone!!! In retrospect, I had symptoms of low progesterone for about 8 years before my estrogen positive breast cancer appeared. If I had to guess, the low progesterone was the root cause. I now pay close attention to my keeping progesterone up.

[@larajohnson8174]

Can I ask - how did you convince your doctor to prescribe HRT?

[@crepesuzette5540]

@@larajohnson8174 I gave my breast cancer team the Estrogen Matters book!

[@L-ash777]

@@crepesuzette5540I may do the same, seems they need education

[@ummtaimann6819]

Hi I know it’s a late question but was oestrogen positive ?

[@crepesuzette5540]

@@ummtaimann6819 Yes.

[@andreagray202]

I am on a 0.05 mg ESTRADIOL PATCH (the most currently recommended and safer form of estrogen, and safer delivery method instead of oral estrogen meds ), 100 mg oral MICRONIZED progesterone (again, currently the most recommended and safer form)and recently added a cream form of Testosterone applied as 1 pump daily (this is for increased energy, easier building of lean muscle mass, and of course helps w/libido as well. I thought I would never ever want to do hormone therapy. Of course that was until I actually went into menopause. And I quickly realized there was absolutely no way in hell I was going to spend the last half of my life feeling like THAT! I feel so so much better(clearer headed, more energetic, less easily agitated, and most importantly stronger. I’ve researched heavily. I’ve heard the arguments on both sides. And I still landed on feeling quite comfortable with my choice. I won’t close my mind to learning in case there is more data later. After all that is science, we learn, we do better. my doctor luckily is wonderful and is taking a low and slow approach with this. Thank God the tide is turning and the information is getting out there👏🏻

[@jenniferann577]

How do you ask your oncologist for HRT when she's advising Tamoxifen?? Do you first take the Tam for 5 years and then the HRT.... it's all so conflicting.

[@marylouko2312]

No ONE.. not even Doctors! I’ve been suffering the last 7 years and no one told me anything the benefits of HRT.. it’s frustrating and so SAD because I feel these doctors do not care about our health! Thank you so much for sharing this.. I’ve just recently started HRT👏🏻

[@lmartineau5761]

After breast cancer? How? Help! My quality of life is horrible. 😢

[@blondebeautylush]

No one told me either but I take my health as top priority and learned on my own the benefits of BHRT. Your health is no one’s responsibility but your own

[@c.h.7581]

Hard to just go get hrt in a country that seems dead against it (I live in Greece).. and without a trusted medical professional to discuss it with! From my own research, I believe hrt needs to be personally tailored (I have a history of blood clots & breast calcification), so yes, we're responsible for our own health to a point.. but I feel completely lost as I don't have a medical pro to talk this over with! ..And the months/years are ticking by & I'm already worried it's getting too late for me! What to do?? 😢

[@12stepmeditations55]

Does this apply to woman whose Breast cancer is Hormone receptor positive?

[@bstewartnasielski303]

Thank you so much! I’ve been searching everywhere for months for exactly this content! I am a breast cancer survivor (ER stage 1 with bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction) now it’s 4 years. I took tamoxifen for 18 grueling months, and gave up. My periods came back for 2 years but now at 53, I’m in natural menopause, and struggling with these symptoms again. All I have seen in the research I’ve done is how great HRT is for women’s overall health and longevity, but not until this interview have I seen ANY hope that I might be a candidate. I now have hope!! I’m buying the book for myself and my OB, and look forward to sharing this paper (when published) with my entire cancer surgery and oncology team. Thank you again! And ‘never give up’ empowering women!

[@nicolemerz1731]

Don't give up - keep fighting for your HRT - it will help you stay healthy. All the best to you! ❤

[@kimberlyd5379]

That you soooooo much for getting the word out!!! So many Dr.s are not even touching hormones in peri menopause / menopause. Even my OB/GYN. I was so suffering until I self-educated and brought a list of research etc. So many women are still being told only the bad!!

[@Cerceify4645]

I had surgery for breast cancer and had a hysterectomy. My gynecologist immediately ordered Estring for me. Tamoxifen caused constant hot flashes for 5 years though. Now I just take Raloxifene for osteoporosis and to prevent recurrence of cancer. I am worried about lack of estrogen and retinal problems that a surgical opthalmologist told me about. He has a great business in surgical repair in elderly women who do not take estrogen.

[@stephaniesteiner6028]

This sings to my soul on so many levels. SCIENCE SPEAKS

[@workhardplayharderx2]

Unless you are talking about the jab, then nobody follows that science lol people cherry pick the science they follow.

[@susancourtney882]

Thank you. This man is a brilliant advocate for women.

[@nicolemerz1731]

Dr. Bluming is brilliant - soooo on the point!!!

[@mtntm5628]

I love this video so much. What great information. Thank you, thank you, thank you Drs. Hirsch and Bluming.

[@auaticamazon]

Fantastic talk. The book Estrogen Matters is very empowering to advocate for yourself with our reluctant physicians

[@Gpacharlie]

You both are obviously great physicians. Thank you for your service to women’s health.

[@marywidener1409]

So awesome!! I loved it, so information!! 🙏 41:10 Are there any newer studies or thoughts on HRT and heart health? I haven’t seen much about that.

[@lmartineau5761]

When I chose to have my ovaries removed I was told before I did so I should know it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimers and Osteoporosis. I already have osteopenia. That was two years and they warned me before I made the decision. How stupid I was. Zero quality of life!

[@commonsense6967]

I plan to search some newer studies about this on public domain of PubMed to see what the latest thinking is. Everyone I know that has come down with breast cancer was either taking HRT or had been on hormonal birthcontrol years before. So I'm a bit skeptical.

[@monikaengel5515]

I'm almost 5 years breast cancer survivor estrogen positive stage 3 and continued for total 10 years anastrozole and zoladex and feel horrible:dry skin,sleep issues,anxiety,slow metabolism,feel like a crap but I'm continued walk 5 miles,lifting weights and fasting and eat clean but miles is not the same plus joint pain and risk osteoporosis

[@lindajones4849]

I'm impressed that you have continued to exercise despite feeling like crap

[@bluenilegoogle]

Has Dr. Avrum Bluming or Dr. Hirsch published what optimal values are for while on HRT? ie E:P ratio etc?

[@Elenitsa21]

I’m very confused. We put breast cancer survivors on estrogen blockers for years but then we’re saying HRT is safe for these same women? Which is it? Estrogen doesn’t cause cancer but it can make estrogenic cancer cells grow. Info on the use of HRT is still very conflicting.

[@Cerceify4645]

My gynecologist put me on Estring years ago and then retired. That was after I had breast cancer but didn't need Chemo, just Tamoxifen for 5 years with constant hot flashes ! Now my oncologist doesn't seem to like this but it is 20 years since my surgery. I have been taking Raloxifene and she says I must take it if I continue Estring. No Problem. A surgical ophthalmologist told me that his best clients are elderly women who don't take estrogen. They develop retina tears or some sort of detachment. I do need to see if I can take HRT for general health, especially HRT.

[@lisahardeman-dunn9211]

Got a bump the needle on that 10 year window. Yes the average woman my age 67 probably is in pretty poor health with brittle vessels, but not all of us. Many of us have been waiting for this day to get on HRT or back on HRT, when somebody would finally become informed, and the provider area to actually give us some help.

[@BarbaraLatham-f7e]

Hi Lisa. I'm also 67, and after reading Oestrogen Matters, I'm determined to try HRT. I know it's going to be difficult to get it prescribed, but I'm going to try. The problem is that Dr. Bluming doesn't seem very encouraging about women of our age taking it. I'd really like him to expand on that subject. I live in Spain, and I haven't got private health insurance, although I'm prepared to pay to see a gynaecologist and try to get her to prescribe HRT for me.

[@vanessaallens6118]

What about for BRCA2 genetics? I thought we can't take estrogen

[@mmags]

I wish this was addressed. Same. BRCA2 + had cancer 15 years ago, dbl MX, ovaries removed. I battle this out every day . I want the light to go back on! I’m 57 still have years left. We need advocates for our category! Thanks for posting your question💕🩷

[@lorisnow8230]

So does this mean that my age 64 I can’t take estrogen? I’m a little confused about this.

[@auaticamazon]

You would benefit from cardiac assessment first to make sure you don’t have arteriosclerosis because of the risk of emboli first year.

[@joannepigliavento7930]

Disheartening for us 60 + women who are just learning about this information when it’s too late

[@charleedell92]

It's not too late, some of the benefits may not be as great but it protects your bones at any age - one in two women get osteoporosis and that is far less treatable and has much higher mortality than breast cancer. HRT also reduces bowel cancer, which never gets mentioned.

[@cookiebuzz]

I hope that’s right bc I’m 72 and just waiting for my compounding pharmacy to make it for me.

[@pejisan]

i am 71 and just started it two weeks ago - might be a placebo effect but i already feel better!

[@jt8142]

My new gynecologist prescribed the following hormonal medications to me 5 weeks ago; I’m almost 61 years old and have been post-menopausal for more than 10 years: 1) Oral Micronized Progesterone 2) Transdermal Estradiol patch 3) Topical vaginal Estradiol cream for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) symptoms

[@Cerceify4645]

@@charleedell92 Check out retinal problems for elderly women not taking estrogen.

[@irenewilliams-nicol8162]

I’m 59 years old and a breast cancer survivor (diagnosed and treated in 2015). I’ve only recently begun to be exposed to information regarding menopause and hormone therapy. I had an ablation of my uterus when I was in my 40s so I was never able to know for sure when I “went through menopause” as my periods stopped as of the time of the ablation. I’ve gone through almost a decade of menopause symptoms without knowing that’s what was going on. My doctor never connected the dots or suggested the things I’ve been going through could be menopause related. I have GSM and zero libido. Is it too late for me to try taking estrogen?

[@ellenlandowski1659]

I did a year of estrogen implants to help combat my chronic fatigue and at the end of that year developed a breast CA that had to be removed.

[@gaillynch4797]

So , Am I to understand that at 62 I should not start HRT . I have had bio identical hormones for 6 months . I have a history of breast cancer( 20 years ago) with estrogen / progesterone receptor positive. Please could you explain? Iam enjoying the benefits of the hormones!

[@lisahardeman-dunn9211]

Most symptoms last a lifetime maybe not hot, hot flashes, but just about everything else but escalates not diminishes. How could it?

[@paulineyu4472]

what a wonderful podcast!!! I am already on hrt but my pcp wants me to stop it because it will cause breast cancer. I told her I have done 2 years of research on the hrt and all I found are the benefits for the heart , bone and brain and this is including reading estrogen matter. She told me don't take it more than 5 years. I was planning to take the hrt for the rest of my life. Is there a time limit to take the hrt? Would it be harmful to take on hrt for many year? Thank you.

[@nicolemerz1731]

No, absolutely no time limit anymore. NOBODY would recommend anybody to stop their hypothyroidism therapy after 5 ys😂. I can't wholeheartedly recommend the podcasts from Dr Louise Newson on this question (you can find them on KZbin). Best of luck to you from Germany! 🍀

[@bstewartnasielski303]

Thank you again so much for this overview. It means so much to so many people. I’ve been trying to find Dr Blumimg’s meta analysis white paper referenced in the session, however, I have not been able to do so. Is there any way you can send me a copy of this peer reviewed journal/document? I have discussed it with my OB/Gyn would like to share with my oncologist. At least to get people thinking a little bit more broadly. Thank you again for all that you do!

[@c.h.7581]

PLEASE HELP... I'm finding so much conflicting info (& dont even know if I can find a doc to prescribe hrt.. my gyne was proud to declare they don't prescribe it!), hardly sleeping from hot flashes 🔥 & cant think properly!! ..So, is the recommendation now with a uterus, take estrogen + progesterone? And I have a history of blood clots (grandma's sister & mum).. is this still a risk worth taking? Please help.. feeling so stressed & lost!!! 😢

[@Hollowmoon007]

Did you contact Alloy or MIDI online? I’ve learned the clot risk is lowest for transdermal estradiol and oral micronized progesterone only.

[@Gpacharlie]

What are the dangers of cold turkeying off estrodiol patch waiting for resultscof a mammography?

[@tammymorris5723]

I am allergic to estradiol cream and have vaginal atrophy from a hysterectomy when i was 32, yes they took my ovaries both, so i am on a search for help.

[@debbiejenkins4039]

On Arimedix for stage 1 estrogen based. Breast cancer. Had mastectomy. Now have osteoporosis. Now what? Prolia was prescribed. Dont want to take. What do i do???

[@kathysteiner9468]

Anastrozole about killed me. Could hardly do anything.i think you need a little estrogen

[@bandanapanda2421]

I have fibroadenoma and cyst ,then can i stop estradiol 2mg estrogen ,what i do?,please give me answer

[@heatherhirschMD]

I don't see any reason to stop

[@dianashaw6229]

I have estrogen fed breast cancer

[@BarbaraLatham-f7e]

I'm really sorry that you have breast cancer, but how do you know that it's estrogen fed? Stay well!

[@mmags]

Where do BRCA2 patients who had breast cancer fall in this approach to HRT?

[@carolynadams5126]

So estrogen hormone blockers for breast cancer increases mortality?

[@normapenetta5940]

How to I find someone to help? My doctor won’t even listen and adamantly refuses to prescribe

[@beth5870]

I want to know this too.

[@commonsense6967]

There's a reason for that!

[@normapenetta5940]

First, doctors are now prescribing estrogen cream per my oncologist. Second, the medical profession has to be open to change as new information is discovered. It’s my life and if quality is more important to me than length of life I should have a say. I would happily sign a waiver

[@Mac-u2n]

Was his wife already on Hrt when she developed cancer?

[@bak6194]

Thank you for this I have just been diagnosed with h e r two positive protein ductal invasive cancer. I'm 48 I'm at the very beginning of praying menopause and had every intention of going bioidentical hormones... Menopause scares the crap out of me. Of course they want to put me on hormone blockers. Chemotherapy radiation and they haven't even done the surgery yet. The biopsy has been done. I would love some good data and information about this what would be the best thing for me to do and maintain any kind of quality of life. Not to mention Alzheimer's and heart problems run rampant in my family cancer has almost no place. Is there anybody you can refer me to or if I could talk to the doctor that would be wonderful

[@L-ash777]

Don’t take those aromatise inhibitors or Tamoxifen, 2 & 1/2 yrs and have stuffed my spine. I stopped them

[@martystevens2313]

North American Menopause Society has a Dr finder. Heather now does online consults.

[@SunsetCookieCutters]

Is estrogen creams safe .?

[@commonsense6967]

no

[@nicolemerz1731]

Transdermal Gynokadin gel is absolutely safe !

[@cookiebuzz]

@@commonsense6967Why do you say that? I’m about to start!!! 🤔🤔🤔

[@Healing_Decibels]

My Obgyn says creams don’t provide enough estrogen to affect you systemically

[@SunsetCookieCutters]

@@Healing_Decibels I started seeing another Gyno,and she said the estrogen cream is safe. She suggested i use it 2 x a week. I use Monday night and Friday night. I just turned 47 This month and i’ve never had any dryness . My problem is current UTI’s. I take antibiotic before intercourse to prevent a uti. But i keep getting the symptoms. I had cystoscopies done and bladder ctscan & ultrasounds. My bladder is normal, Dr. thinks i might be having IC symptoms and not UTi’s. I really want to stop taking the antibiotic because I’m scared it will affect my immune or stomach. So i also take probiotics for my gut health.🙏

[@laurarenfro5136]

I will take. Hrt and May take tamoxifen- there are three different estrogens. Estradiol is antiinflamatory and estrodone is inflammatory- Had I had HRT sooner wouldn’t not have had so many symptoms.

[@lisahardeman-dunn9211]

Vaginal transdermal, the question does it help with cognition brain issues?

[@lisahardeman-dunn9211]

Well, he talks about how his wife was on HRT for 20 years. So I’m guessing she started in her 50s and stayed on that till she was in her early 70s actually I think that’s what he said. She may have stopped taking at 72 because she felt like she had very good cognition and probably didn’t need it anymore, I actually use a concierge company now online with very good service. It is called Wittmer renovation.

[@lisahardeman-dunn9211]

Here’s the big question, HR twoneg -10 years out stage one feeling like crap for 20 years. Oncologist did prescribe Estring and gynecologist. Also try DHEA inserts and so on not very effective so the question is. DOES. transdermal estrogen have any effect on cognition, Alzheimer’s/dementia.???

[@angelaemmens9235]

My medication costs 3000k a month. That's crazy I have medication that my oncologist wanted me to have on hand when I am better it costs 35k for one month supply. Thats 40k a month. Thats why all about money. The pharmaceutical companies make to much money to cure cancer. I am so mad that we are treated as commodity.

[@catherineforest2472]

I follow Dr Avrum, I am wondering how he is received by oncologist in the US and Canada and all over the world. I need hope that change is coming. As an Hr+ breast cancer survivor, I need to believe that our quality of life will be considered. AI and tamoxifen are useful but have brutal side effects.

[@commonsense6967]

I absolutely know that no doctors when I was going through peri-menopause/ menopause realized that my heart palpitations were caused by menopause, so I had no idea what was causing them! Scared me to death! Just like a panic attack, but without any emotions! I made them give me an exercise stress test, which made the doctor mad. I didn't want or really need HRT, but I just wanted to know what was happening with my heart! (It's still perfectly normal years later, at 72.) And btw, menopausal symptoms are largely TEMPORARY, thank goodness.

[@cathyg1473]

How about my gyn told me. Everything looks normal. So my burning I have on one side of labia, is just part of menopause. Also told not too many options for this issue. Feeling defeated

[@laineyhavertape7049]

You might have a pelvic floor physical therapist take a look at you. I don't know your back story, but depending on the cause, they could help you with that.

[@ngendoh]

Find a menopause certified gynecologist

[@c.h.7581]

​@@ngendohThinkin these don't exist in my town in Greece.. help! ...Also feeling lost & overwhelmed!!! 😢

[@julenelauro4308]

This is very informative but disappointing for women over 60.

[@jt8142]

I’m almost 61 years old, am more than 10 years post-menopausal, and started MHT 5 weeks ago. 1. Oral Micronized Progesterone 2. Transdermal Estradiol patch 3. Topical vaginal Estradiol cream for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) symptoms

[@melaniepare2609]

Very irritating that he started to listen to women when he saw his own wife suffering. Can’t listen. Too mad.

[@c.h.7581]

It's just human nature.. try not to judge too harshly n miss the info! ❤

[@LaurenR-wv3ub]

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35594465/ Here is the article :) I to an early stage breast cancer survivor at 40 - now nearly 43 and Tamoxifen has driven me to needing a hysterectomy and have been asked to consider removal of my ovaries …. This is an interesting study for support going through menopause! Thanks All the way from Australia :)

[@lmartineau5761]

Thank you!!