Hormone therapy (HT) can treat menopause-related symptoms. Although it can increase the chance of breast cancer, this risk is small and will return to average after a person stops HT.

While HT can increase the risk of breast cancer, the risk will usually decrease after a person discontinues using HT. However, the amount of time this takes is not definitive.

The breast cancer risk also depends on the type of HT a person is taking.

A person should discuss the benefits and risks of HT with a healthcare professional.

Read on for more information about how much HT can increase the risk of breast cancer, ways to reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer, and potential alternatives to HT.

HT may increase the risk of breast cancer. It is more likely to increase the risk if a person is taking combined HT, rather than estrogen-only HT.

This may be particularly true for higher dose combination HT.

Combined HT can increase the chance that a healthcare professional may diagnose a person’s breast cancer at a more advanced stage.

According to 2020 research, the risk of breast cancer increases the longer a person takes HT. However, it also decreases significantly after a person discontinues HT.

It is best to talk with a doctor if a person is considering HT. If a person has had breast cancer or if they have an increased risk of the condition, the doctor may recommend alternative treatments.

A doctor may recommend nonhormonal treatments to help manage menopause symptoms. These include moisturizers and lubricants to treat vaginal symptoms.

There are no guidelines on the safety of HT use in those with a family history of breast cancer.

A 2021 systematic review notes that HT does not have a relevant effect on the risk of cancer in those who carry the BRCA gene.

A 2018 study found that the use of estrogen after surgery to remove the ovaries does not increase the chance of breast cancer in those with the BRCA1 gene. However, it also notes that further research is necessary on the effect of progesterone-containing HT.

Breast Cancer Now suggests that a person should speak with a doctor before using HT if they have inherited a breast cancer gene, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

If a person has inherited a breast cancer gene or has a family history of the condition, they can discuss the possible benefits and risks of HT with their doctor for information about whether their doctor recommends the treatment based on their individual circumstances.

If a person decides to take HT, they can ask for a lower-dose formula, which may help reduce the risk compared with a higher dose. They can also discuss with a doctor how to take HT for the shortest possible time.

It is also important to maintain a moderate weight. This is because having more fat tissue can raise a person’s estrogen levels. As a result, it can increase the chance of developing breast cancer.

The ACS adds that a person at higher risk for breast cancer may benefit from taking additional steps, such as seeking genetic testing and counseling and getting preventive surgery.

General tips that may help reduce the risk of breast cancer include:

  • avoiding alcohol or limiting intake
  • consuming a balanced diet
  • getting enough physical activity or exercise

For those with a high risk of developing breast cancer, an oncologist may prescribe medications such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.

The benefits of taking HT can vary from person to person. Some people decide that the benefits outweigh the risks.

HT can help relieve the symptoms of menopause. It can also help reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Current research also shows that, if a person has no increased cardiovascular disease at the start of HT, it may help protect against the condition. However, starting estrogen can significantly cause more damage.

A person should discuss the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional before deciding whether HT is right for them.

If a person decides to take HT, they should attend all their breast cancer screening appointments.

Some companies produce bioidentical hormone therapy. Bioidentical hormones are theoretically derived from plants.

Many companies claim that their bioidentical hormone products are a safer alternative to conventional HT, which can consist of synthetic hormones. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these.

Additionally, the higher breast cancer risk is the same for bioidentical hormones as it is for synthetic hormones. Synthetic hormones are made in a laboratory that are chemically identical to those in the body.

A person should speak with a doctor about the risks of HT, particularly if they have a higher risk of developing breast cancer already. Their doctor will likely suggest a different treatment plan that does not involve HT.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, a person may not need formal treatment for their menopause symptoms. When they do, some treatments that do not involve HT can include over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription products to treat vaginal dryness or discomfort, such as vaginal lubricants.

A person can also take medications such as:

  • fluoxetine to manage hot flashes
  • fezolinetant to help with temperature regulation and hot flashes
  • ospemifene for vaginal dryness

Hormone therapy (HT) can increase a person’s risk of breast cancer. The risk tends to increase with combined therapies as well as long term use.

A person who has had breast cancer or who has a family history of the condition should speak with a doctor before using HT for their menopause symptoms.

A doctor can discuss other treatments, which may include OTC and prescription medications, as well as natural remedies. The doctor can also advise on ways to reduce the risk of breast cancer.