In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs dive headfirst into the hot (flash) topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for breast cancer survivors. It’s complicated, it’s emotional, and yes, it’s got a healthy splash of perimenopause thrown in—because nothing says “fun” like navigating midlife with a side of oncology.

They talk all about the swirling myths, the clickbait headlines, and the TikTok “experts” who got their MDs from the comments section. Dr. Dunsmoor-Su even shares her own experience with breast cancer and menopause, adding a real-world lens to the science.

We’ve got real talk on estrogen’s role in cancer risk, the current scientific consensus on HRT post-diagnosis, and why early detection still matters.

You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what to actually bring up with your doctor (hint: not what Becky from Instagram said).

What you’ll hear in this episode:

[0:57] The “Influencer Effect”

[1:18] Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su’s experience with breast cancer and menopause

[7:40] The Gold Standard: Mammograms

[11:25] Alternative screening methods: myths and facts

[16:48] Estrogen’s role in breast cancer

[20:43] Understanding HRT & breast cancer

[30:24[ Tamoxifen & Aromatase inhibitors: a comparison

[39:22] Women’s health needs more research

Resources:

thewisdomstudy.org

Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube

Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html