I have written this because I have seen firsthand the difference hormone therapy can make to the lives of breast cancer survivors. For some women, the improvement in their quality of life can be extraordinary, and I believe there are circumstances where the benefits may outweigh the risks.
I don't believe in automatically denying someone access to a medication that could be life-changing simply because of a previous breast cancer diagnosis. Equally, for some women, the benefits may be modest and the risks too great. My patients have taught me that a blanket "no" isn't always the most helpful answer.
Instead, I believe we should explore how we might use hormones thoughtfully and cautiously, where appropriate. Perhaps that's a lower dose, a different preparation, a time-limited trial of 6–12 months, or considering hormone therapy only after some or all non-hormonal options have been explored. We also need to consider the type of breast cancer, the individual's recurrence risk, and whether certain preparations or routes of administration may offer a more favourable risk profile, while recognising the limitations of the evidence.
This isn't about dismissing risk. It's about recognising that there are risks to treatment, but there can also be very real consequences to leaving symptoms untreated.
I believe women deserve an informed conversation, an opportunity to weigh those risks and benefits alongside their oncology team, and a voice in decisions about their own quality of life.
Breast Cancer and Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – Recommended Resources
Books
Journal Articles
- Glynne et al. (2026) – Menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer patients: what is the current evidence? A multidisciplinary review and consensus statement examining MHT following breast cancer.
- Bluming (2022) – Hormone Replacement Therapy After Breast Cancer: It Is Tim e .
Breast Cancer Research
- MENO-ABC Trial – Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Outcomes After Breast Cancer
Information about the proposed clinical trial investigating MHT following breast cancer.
Podcasts
- Liz Earle Wellbeing – Breast Cancer, HRT and What the Evidence Says With Dr Sarah Glynne and Kirsty Lang.
- The Dr Louise Newson Podcast – Advancing Menopause Care After Breast Cancer. With Dr Sarah Glynne ( Episode 179).
- The Dr Louise Newson Podcast – Getting to the Truth Around HRT and Breast Cancer With Dr Avrum Bluming (Episode 231).
