Let’s Talk About Why Estrogen Matters After Menopause (And Doesn’t Cause Breast Cancer)

I am dispelling the old myths about estrogen and breast cancer and reviewing the literature about estrogen’s many health benefits. You can not only feel better, but you can live longer, and reduce your risk of osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and colon cancer, as well as restore sexual function. I take it, and in the great majority of cases, you should too!
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[@wendyfield7708]

Thank you. I am 89, diagnosed with breast cancer 3 months ago, and taken off HRT AFTER BEING ON IT 33 years with great benefit. I slumped badly in energy, but started anti cancer hormonal therapy. Side effects intolerable after two doses. Was sent to an endocrinologist because i had low functioning thyroid and adrenals for 50 years. He said go back on HRT, and I already feel better, but still cannot manage the anti cancer therapy. I am in the UK where the NHS is very short of medical staff now. Mastectomy not possible. So I am concentrating on the right foods. W e all die and at nearly 90 I have had a full and very interessting life, but am quite badly physically disabled now. No one really advises me, and I have a deep faith so am content. But I have been told the cancer will spread and I’m not quite sure what to expect! I live on my own with no family near me but have good friends. I do not wish to go into a residential home. I went on HRT 6 years AFTER MENOPAUSE,aged 56, and then studied at university in London full time for a Music Degree, and taught in a school unil Covid, when I was 85. I am not convinced the HRT is the cause of my breast cancer. I had severe Covid then shingles, a low immune system, and obeyed the vaccine programme having six jabs of vaccine since 2020.

[@lrdavis444]

Keep walking by Faith and not by sight Nothing is impossible for God. All of our days are already written in the book of life, and nothing can add or take away one day. ❤️🙏🏻❤️👑🕊 They have told me they are 95% sure I have bc from imaging results. I will not get the biopsy due to much research. I am desperately looking for an alternative to the RX since I know they won't renew it. I have 4 refills left.... I am 61 and had a complete hysterectomy when I was 30... I should not have had it but didn't know any better then... I also want quality of life. For me, quality over quantity at this point in life is more important to me. Prayers for all ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@user-gh3bz9no2d]

Its the last thing that you mentioned that is the most likely culprit. Very sorry.

[@seablue140]

It sounds like you have lived a beautiful life and were lucky to have gotten information all those years ago about HRT. May we all live to be 90 I think there's a complexity of reason as to why we succumb to cancer, despite doing all the right things. I would imagine anything that you can do to boost your immune system at this point would be very helpful. These vaccines seem to do a number on that body system and we need a robust immunity to fight off the cancer cells. May you be blessed with his information ✨🪽💞and all the best to you.

[@michelleschuman9033]

Thank you for sharing your story, your wisdom and insight. I’m saying a prayer for you 🙏

[@carmenbreit6485]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is so hard to find good advise and a provider that you can feel confident in. I wish you all the best and I have to say that you have inspired me. That's wonderful that you chose to pursue a Music Degree. Knowledge feeds the brain. You are your best advocate and you are probably correct in believing that HRT is not the cause of your breast cancer.

[@dianasmith1398]

I took hrt in my 40s for 10 years..i felt great...then after that crazy evaluation the doctor stopped my estrgen. I cant sleep, i have dryness and no sexy drive . I feel awful and would like to be back on estrogen . I am 73 years old and i hope my new doctor will help me and put me back on hrt. I feel so sad that so many of us women have suffered needlessly because of wrong information. Thank you doctor for your info

[@smoothjazz1954]

Sounds like me! I am on a mission

[@susanhester]

I found it interesting that being on HRT only added 3 1/2 years to my life; however, to me the most important thing is the quality of the years. I love my HRT. I started at age 51 and have been on it for 14 years and I wouldn't go without it. Love this video you have provided so much useful info! I plan to take it until I die.

[@DebbieDooo]

What form of HRT are you taking? I am not interested in pills made of horse pee.

[@susanhester]

@@DebbieDooo Started with the patch and it worked for years then stopped but was at the max dose. Went to cream but had to use so much it was awful and even though I thought I was staying away from my dog it caused swelling issues with her. So I take the estradiol pill and it is working great. You will have to find what works for you.

[@leeannaboe7581]

@@DebbieDooo that would be synthetic hormones not BHRT (bio identical hormone replacement therapy)

[@jackiegroden416]

@@leeannaboe7581 who cares? As long as it’s working and she has her life back

[@pkstiever]

@@leeannaboe7581 I take Estradiol tablets. They are not Premarin, made from horse urine. Estradiol is bioidentical. I've been on estradiol and progesterone capsules for many years, and I am so much more healthy and youthful than my 3 younger sisters who were scared of hormones due to the WHI study that was grossly misinterpreted! I am a scientist so I understood how wrong the interpretations were on risks! My quality of life is amazing compared to others my age. I have no pain, exercise every day at a local gym, have no risk factors, and so much more energy than my peers my age. I feel women have been so incredibly misled by the media and doctors not being educated enough.

[@cat_623]

I'm buying a copy of this book for my internist, who erroneously believes all the 20 year old misinformation on HRT.

[@kk-gM98]

Well put, thanks for sharing!

[@rodneylatham]

Good luck.

[@analogkid28]

Thank you for promoting female health and wellness. Thank you for educating, and thank you for caring. ❤

[@debbielucas9120]

Thank you for clearing up the confusion on this topic.

[@diannedavis1207]

Excellent video with so much information! Thank you !

[@kk-gM98]

I finally finished the book today (watched this 2 months ago), and tomorrow I will go to a new gyne. I plan to discuss HRT for my symptoms. Thanks for your vital info you are sharing.

[@kathryncurry8728]

Gosh, I wish I lived near Houston, you’d definitely be my doctor! Thank you for such fabulous information ❤️

[@bluejean-1968]

Estrogen dominance is what's dangerous. The balance of e and p is crucial.

[@Sumermak]

Thank you! This is so helpful! I’m seeing an endocrinologist in may and all Of this info is prepping me for that appt!

[@drsusan]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@TheoriginalANGEK439]

HRT is the best thing ever. It has totally changed my life. When I went into menopause I was so sick from the symptoms. I have the coil that gives me progesterone and a patch for my estrogen. The pro’s out weigh the cons. I think most Doctors need to be educated on this subject. Because a lot of GP’s won’t prescribe HRT. This leaves women to suffer the nasty effects of menopause. And struggle day and night. And that’s wrong. Don’t know what doctors are like outside the U.K….👍🇬🇧👍♥

[@nicolaxoxo1]

There is NOTHING good about menopause!!!!

[@SadieBellyDance]

You are so lovely. I’m in perimenopause and been on a deep dive trying to problem solve. You have such a balanced optimistic presentation of the info. I appreciate you❤

[@colleendooley3820]

Same! Wishing you well in this journey!

[@nishiramkhelawan8622]

Thank you for your gr8 advice😊

[@colleendooley3820]

Just came across your video & i am so glad. I just learned about this book 2 days ago. I am scheduled to have Oopherectomy in 2 weeks. Just had bilatetal mastectomy for Breast Cancer, Estrogen +, Braca+. I am so confused.

[@user-zd8kl8ut6j]

I started HRT around 11-12 years after menopause. I have used two different companies for HRT. Went GREAT at first. Then dosage was lowered without blood work. Many changes, from cream that did not work to injections that were amazing, then to troches, that made me start my period. Going to see if I can get pellets this week. Thank you for your videos.

[@mariamunguia8863]

Thank you for all the good information you provide for us if you were closer to me I would go to your office to see you.

[@drsusan]

Thank you so much for being here! If you find yourself in Houston, I'd love to see you 💞

[@susanmcmath6479]

Great info

[@drsusan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DebbieDooo]

Getting ready to begin my hormone journey at 53 as I will be meeting with a new gyno in a week or so to discuss my options. Thanks for this info.

[@drsusan]

Best of luck!

[@rdiemidio65]

@@drsusan I live in New York sadly. I wish you were near me. I am trying a new gyno. Mine retired. Had 1 appt with her, but now that I got my results of my Bloodwork I am making an appt to see what my options are regarding HRT.. I would love to go the pellet route. I would have to search for a Dr. somewhere near me.Thanks for enlightening me with all your info.

[@ashleyb5642]

This was so helpful and very informative! I’m embarrassed to say that I still had those beliefs about the terrible risks of taking estrogen. I’ve also been feeling very alone in this menopause journey, which is crazy because it happens to every woman. There is so much in society that makes us feel ashamed of aging. I haven’t had a GYN in a while because my doctor left but I just found one and I’m gathering discussion points from your videos. Thank you so much for educating us and making us feel not so alone.

[@Maggie-zr2ow]

If your new doctor won’t work with you, you might consider a naturopath. I have one and she knows everything that’s on this channel, and prescribes HRT. Also there’s a web site all about this subject called Gennev. I don’t use their services but was directed there by my naturopath to read the articles which are top notch.

[@beckymacon8946]

I am 73 and was on HRT for 20 years and had breast cancer last year. 2023 All of my Doctors took me off HRT. So I’m not understanding why I cannot take it now with all of this information.

[@valerietucker6471]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you so much! Wow! Does estrogen also help mood swings?

[@Jennifer-jf7nx]

I have that book too.. I love it

[@drsusan]

It's AMAZING!

[@nellsands5679]

Thank you so so much

[@jackmwa902]

U r on time for me. Thanks so much. I just survived 3 surgeries for endometriosis and fibroids and adhesion within 10 months. I had a catheter just removed yesterday I was given a hard time at my pharmacy for a 10 day supply of my first estrogen. I had to go back and argue somewhat with my male doc that a 10 day supply to a female is too low yet he will prescribe 30 day supply to a transgender?? So at the end he did a 30 day supply however with no refill?? I have to talk to my regular female PCP. My sleep and my mood seem to have changed in 2 days. Thanks to u. PS my best friend passed after a 10 yr breast cancer mess because her male doctor said she didn’t need estrogen so he did a TAH to permanently fix periods etc. She never went into remission

[@aristotlemaniago8801]

Thank you so much

[@wendyc3803]

Hello Dr. Susan. Thank you so much for all you do to inform us about the positive effects of HRT. I recently tried to convince a gf to listen to your channel but she refused because she said she cannot under any circumstances, take estrogen since she has familial BC (and her sister was tested and has the gene for BC) they even had an uncle with it which apparently is extremely rare. Can you comment on this please? I am desperate to help her as she is (and her family is) suffering terribly from her menopause symptoms. I know my husband is as happy about the changes in me since I’ve been on HRT, as I am! I want every woman to feel as great as I do now. Thank you

[@chevybabe1999]

She should do a Dutch test to see how estrogen is breaking down through the 3 pathways. Pathway 2 is the healthiest. 4 & 16 are bad and lead to BC. ALSO liver health is imperative in detoxing estrogen. She also be a poor methylator?? I'd also recommend cleaning environment of xenoestrogens which is causing BC in younger women. Switch to natural non toxic laundry detergent, hand soap, shampoo, deodorant, skincare, cosmetics as well as avoiding processed food.

[@chevybabe1999]

Oh and look into Lugols iodine! It's necessary for breast tissue health! You can watch videos by Dr David Brownstein Iodine Crisis.

[@maryvelneelemantenaya2092]

@@chevybabe1999 Ah Ha !!! Then it's FAKE estrogens ! I'll just bet that's it !!

[@jt8142]

Drinking alcohol is a much greater risk for breast cancer than HRT

[@annettesepehri1360]

Hello. Which estrogen cream is best to buy, please?

[@nerolicompletecreme]

I just found you glad I did ❤ Is optimal levels to get rid of the estrone tank in my stomach and have asense of well being 75 to 140 ? Is it a safe estrogen level for post meno women ? And if your breast are a little tender does that mean tissue is growing and it’s to much and dial back or does it subside ? Ty

[@Corrans]

From what I understand breast tenderness is a bodily signal that estrogen is too high. I am not sure if it's necessarily a dangerous thing, but it's not pleasant. I had that. Maybe try reduce the dose of estrogen?

[@jenniferwinans1012]

Does estrogen cause weight gain, especially around the mid section? I got HRT pellets a couple of weeks ago and having a harder time losing weight

[@jantrevino9345]

What about estradiol by mouth and breast cancer?

[@michelefinizio6520]

Does the Estradiol patch cause hair loss?

[@jamesdunn3399]

Does it have any affects on migraines

[@robinwoodward2446]

Does everyone need to start off at the lowest dose and titrate slowly up?

[@cathycoppin5682]

Can someone help please I can’t take progesterone. Atall I lost lot memory not feeling too good low mood

[@julenelauro4308]

I read this book. Just not sure if I should be on HRT at 61 years old. It’s helping me but very unsure of how high chances are of developing heart problems or breast cancer.

[@renus6015]

I was given ovral G for pcos...my cholesterol increased on it and finally I got gall stones..... Now, am trying estradiol 1mg for hot flushes...

[@chestnutmair1]

I am super sensitive to everything I have ever tired. I have Long Haul Covid. I read somewhere that estrogen helps with LC symptoms. I think I would like to try some

[@kmsapounakis7903]

After breast cancer ER positive diagnosis, surgery removed it, dr recommends hormone blocking. Trying to find information to educate myself. Have a sense taking hormone blocking is not good.

[@kimberlisutherland2631]

I just had blood labs done and everything was low. My doc wants to put me on Bio-identical cream Testosterone and pills Estradiol and progesterone. No one else seems to be taking Estriodiol in a pill. Wondering if I shouldn't pick up this new prescription.

[@sandyjla71]

Please help

[@vickimudano3953]

How can I find a physician that can help me with Hormone replacement? I live in Augusta, Georgia. Thank you

[@drsusan]

Try looking on biote.com/ 💞

[@lisamuir2091]

I have been on Imvexxy vaginal insert for almost a year for dryness. I have my uterus and am not on any progesterone supplement. I know I need to speak to my gyn, but thoughts on this? Trying to educate myself.

[@drsusan]

Thank you so much for being here and watching! Great question! Please submit your question to: drsusan.com/ask/ 💞

[@JanNewell-xx8dh]

I just started bio identical HRT in April,2024, about a month before my 76th birthday. I already have osteoporosis but am currently on a “holiday” from Fosamax since February. Should I go back on osteoporosis medication when the holiday is over, or just trust the hormones to give me some protection?

[@miriamneuman2545]

Dr. Bluming mentions that postmenopausal women can't increase their bone density with weight bearing exercise. But can a woman on HRT increase her bone density with weight bearing exercise?

[@Corrans]

Very good question!!!!

[@leilas1844]

It’s so difficult to get a hold of your office I’m not use to contact via email. Any chance to speak to someone?..

[@drsusan]

Check out our contact page for a way that works for you: completemidlifewellnesscenter.com/contact/

[@juliewhereisjfkjr8902]

What form of Estrogen do you take? If you said it, I missed it. Thanks!

[@Corrans]

She uses pellets

[@maryjoobrienmoulding6298]

I had a bllod clot. my Dr. says No estradiol I'm torn and fearful of taking it for fear of another clot. You say estradiol doesn't go system wide but also say it helps bones could you explain how that works ?

[@Corrans]

Estrogen taken by mouth raises clot risk slightly, but other methods don't raise that risk and it's safe.

[@emiliegray6737]

My already large breasts grew when take a small amount of Bio identical estrogen. Is there a way to keep this from happening?

[@gloriab3776]

Dr. Hardwick is it safe to take estradiol without progesterone?

[@amylee9]

If you have a uterus, you need to take progesterone. Otherwise you’re at risk of uterine cancer. If you had a hysterectomy, you can just take estrogen.

[@Corrans]

Only if you don't have a uterus.

[@sharonsomers]

What do you do if your dr won't prescribe it other than for a set time frame? I'm not needing it yet, but I asked about this for the future, and my doctor said she won't prescribe HRT for more than 5 years after beginning it, due to the fact she believes it increases cancer.

[@drsusan]

Thank you so much for being here and watching! Great question! Please submit your question to: drsusan.com/ask/ 💞

[@Corrans]

Find another doctor

[@reesepup4624]

I agree. Estrogen is safe. Also did it cause problems when we had it in our body before menopause? You should bring this up!

[@mnicolaidou]

I would like to ask you. I was diagnosed with gallstones some years ago but never went on surgery to remove the organ. I am 48, not in menopause yet, but was wondering if it safe to take estrogen when the time comes. I am asking, as estrogen is a factor that might have caused the appearance of gallstones in the first place. Could HRT affect the gallstones? I have no kids (no pregnancies), but was taking birth control pills from 20-25 years old. What do you think? Thank you.

[@drsusan]

Thank you so much for being here and watching! Please submit your question to: drsusan.com/ask/ 💞

[@mnicolaidou]

@@drsusan Thank you!

[@brendacooper6969]

Can lack of hormone balance cause tachycardia?

[@joannbarrientes4996]

This is my question/ concern too

[@felicepatel4875]

Hi i noticed how my sleep improved when starting oestrogel which i rub on my skin however the utrogestan phase which is the progesterone part of hrt i swell up in my body and face and become severely depressed. I wish i could take it but without tye progesterone component i can't:(

[@Corrans]

If you get a uterine ablation you can!

[@felicepatel4875]

@@Corrans I'll have a look into that as I'm not even sure what it is but thanks for your reply:)

[@Corrans]

@felicepatel4875 My pleasure! It's when they burn off the uterine lining, so it can't grow and get thick. The progesterone is to thin out the lining. Without the lining, no need for progesterone to thin it out. It's a procedure I am going to investigate for myself as it also means, in most cases, no periods.

[@smoothjazz1954]

Hi, what about the HRT pills that dissolve in our mouth?? I can’t think of name. Natural made up HRT. I liked those for years. I have to. What a bummer! I’m on a mission. I just turned 70!!! My bones are bad! Since I stopped hormones, I feel like I am falling apart. Thank you. ❤

[@elizabethbarranon622]

I’m 65. I wish I had known about the benefits of estrogen sooner. Sadly menopause began for me shortly after that study in 2002. Doctors certainly didn’t offer HRT. I am 14 years past menopause. I had hysterectomy and bso at 60.

[@DianeBucka]

I feel the same, like at 62 I'm sealed into a less vibrant life. I do have some family history of cardiac issues, but not extreme (my Dad was 80 when he had a bypass), and I do have some markers for high A1C and blood glucose along with well-managed (statin) high-ish cholestrol. I still want an expert to evaluate me for HRT and want to better understand the interaction with insulin resistance. I do NOT have faith in my health care providers; they sound like they're right out of the 90's. Seeking resources to research and find a good provider.

[@elizabethbarranon622]

@@DianeBucka I hope you find some answers. I am actively looking and researching now for a knowledgeable specialist that will help evaluate me for HRT.. All my best to you.

[@Corrans]

With the right doctor, you CAN go back onto hormones slowly!

[@joycebezanson4543]

Hi there so taking vagifem alone is safe without progesterone?I use it twice a week. Thank you

[@joycebezanson4543]

I have my uterus

[@simmiedavissimmiesings8185]

Its what I do

[@noranavarro388]

How do you like the Vagifem?

[@Himmiefan]

So, why do hormone levels change over time? Should we really be playing with that? Who benefits financially when women by the thousands automatically reach for medication instead of improving their diet and exercise? Hmmm.

[@SandroRibeiroSk8]

I am 48 years old ,in menapuse,my doctor doesnt give me hormones because i am a smocker,not a big smocker,so sad...

[@cherrypeachsoda]

Find another doctor that specializes in hormones.

[@sandyjohnson5111]

I got a DVT at age 52. I had just started using the estrogen patch. Turns out I have the genetic clotting disorder Factor V Leiden clotting disorder, from 1 parent. I’m told I can never use estrogen replacement. Am I stuck to never have sex the rest of my life because of vaginal pain?

[@lindajones4849]

Ask about take ng a topical vaginal estrogen.

[@coletteharman378]

Vitamin D supplementation can also help with bone health, heart health and prevent many other chronic conditions including many cancers. Most are quite deficient in Vitamin D.

[@bonnier7746]

Taking vitamin K2 with D3 helps calcium get into bones, instead of soft tissues and arteries!!

[@Corrans]

So sad...I managed to get my 71 year old mother back on HRT and then she said she didn't feel any different and didn't want the hassel of using it and she just stopped. You can only do so much to help those who don't think BHRT is necessary.

[@louisecavanagh6799]

Does this apply to people who have already had breast cancer and their cancer was estrogen positive? I'm 11 years post cancer and have been lacking estrogen for so long. The doctor tells me HRT is out of the question.

[@dianefletcher62]

Doctor please answer this question because it pertains to so many of us

[@lisa408t]

This book by Dr bluming goes into treatment of hrt for women who've had breadt cancer

[@jennieoh8543]

@@lisa408t His wife had breast cancer and is now on hrt.

[@suzyshoemaker7804]

She did answer the question. Bio identical hormones. Cream Jel,pellets,patch. Not Premarin that you take by mouth

[@karenstory614]

What if you started menopause at 39? I’m currently 50. Haven’t taken estrogen because of fear of cancer. I had a hysterectomy at age 25 due to a prolapsed uterus. Still have my ovaries. Is it to late for me?

[@amylee9]

How do you know you entered menopause at 39 if you didn’t have a uterus?

[@karenstory614]

@@amylee9 I was starting to have hot flashes. I was at my yearly appointment and mentioned it to my Doctor. He told me oh no. That the magic number was 55, that I still had a good ways to go. I reminded him of my early hysterectomy. He went ahead and took labs. Sure enough, I was at the beginning stage of menopause.

[@luloops]

I just had a d and c for a thickened endometrium. They immediately took me off my hrt. I feel like I aged 15 years in 2 months. I don't have my results yet and they keep putting fear in me about not being able to use hrt because of my illness.

[@sandyjla71]

Please recommend a doctor who does this hormone replacement in NY I went to 3 different GYN doctor from NYU HOSPITAL which is consider the best in NY Simply they don’t believe in HRT

[@Corrans]

Keep searching! Ask around, Google, call doctors offices! Keep trying till you find the help you need.

[@zsuzsuspetals]

What I'm reading and understanding is that taking estrogen alone lowers risk of breast cancer. But taking estrogen alone RAISES your risk of uterine cancer. So it's recommended to take estrogen and progesterone together and that will both lower your risk of uterine cancer AND raise your chances of breast cancer by a miniscule amount. Is that correct? I'm going to take HRT regardless and I plan on taking both estrogen and progesterone because honestly, uterine cancer scares me much more than breast cancer does.

[@carmenbreit6485]

In all my reading, if you start taking estrogen and still have your uterus, you have to take progesterone as well. Hope this helps. Reading Estrogen Matters has more information.

[@kimfromarkansas2084]

I had 2 BHRT pellets and 400 mg a night of progesterone. Felt good at 1st but gained alot of belly fat so I reduced the progesterone down to 200 myself, lost about 5 lbs. The pellets weren't affordable at 350.00 a pellet and insurance wouldn't cover them. Looking for a gynecologist who understands HRT but so difficult to fine in my area.💕

[@chevybabe1999]

I would switch over to a estradiol patch. It's a $10 copay for 3 month supply through my insurance. I've heard pellets are not good. I'd recommend you Google that further.

[@rdiemidio65]

@@chevybabe1999 Is that just Estrogen?

[@chevybabe1999]

@@rdiemidio65 yes one of the 3 forms of estrogen

[@rdiemidio65]

I heard the patch can be a pain. Coming off in the shower or swimming .Do you find it bothersome ?@@chevybabe1999 They say there's a minimal does you need to take to prevent the 3 diseases . One would hope that the Dr.s would know what this would be.

[@rdiemidio65]

@@chevybabe1999 Do you take progesterone also? I have a uterus , so i would have to take it to negate the risk uterus cancer.

[@lynlawley8903]

Oh dear its so sad and anti estrogen is causal of cancer