Anyone taking hrt even though they have an elevated risk of cancer

You're hormone statements are not quite correct. Much of the information which you are giving is based on synthetic hormones, progestins and oral hormones. The research and dangers for that form of HRT is found in the old WHI report. I agree that synthetic hormones and oral hormones can be dangerous and are tied to cancers and cardio events
BHRT, bioidentical hormones, those identical chemically to your own natural hormones are different.
BHRT, bioidentical hormones do not have the same risks as the old HRT.
Speaking directly about breast cancer, the largest study of different HRTs and breast cancer was done in France with over 80,000 women. The only group that showed ZERO increased risk for breast cancer was the group that used estrogen but with added BHRT progesterone.
https://cemcor.ubc.ca/resources/does-taking-progesterone-alone-or-estrogen-increase-womens-risk-breast-cancer/
How does progesterone act in our breasts related to breast cancer risk?

1. Estrogen causes cells to grow or proliferate—if that occurs without being limited or slowed, estrogen can promote genetic errors and possibly cancer.
2. Progesterone decreases proliferation/cell growth while encouraging cells to become more specialized or mature—progesterone’s actions decrease cancer risk.
3. When progesterone is present, its receptors make the estrogen receptor no longer able to cause breast cells to grow or proliferate."
In addition, bioidentical , BHRT estriol is frequently used instead of estradiol in BHRT therapy. Estriol is believed to be even more safe than estradiol, especially for breast health.
Indeed, many women use progesterone directly on their breasts to treat cystic breasts.

well the ai sums it up this way:
"Progesterone is vital for bone health, working with estrogen to promote new bone formation by stimulating bone-building cells (osteoblasts), helping maintain bone density, and preparing the skeleton for pregnancy's calcium demands. While low levels during menopause can contribute to bone loss and joint issues, progesterone therapy (often with estrogen) can prevent osteoporosis, though the type matters—synthetic progestins like MPA can sometimes decrease bone density, while natural progesterone supports it"

Obviously, we have our best bone health when we are young when we have good supplies and balanced supplies of estrogen/progesterone.

Think of it as a balance, with balance your body and bones are healthier.

@kathleen1314 I read in a post that BHRT is better/safer than HRT….it comes in patch or pellet forms, not only bioidentical estrogen but also a form of progesterone…there are variables, depending on the individual patient. Worth looking into, to get the right benefit/risk ratio.

@nycmusic
That was probably my post that you read. Ha 🙂 But thanks for quoting me to me; I will listen.

Hi, @soggybones I chose to begin MHT after my osteoporosis diagnosis though I have increased risk of breast cancer. Was diagnosed with LCIS at the age of 47 and took tamoxifen for 2.5 years. Diagnosed with osteoporosis at 52.

After reading everything I could find online, I scheduled an appointment for a risk / benefit conversation with my oncologist. We focused on menopause symptoms as I discovered most non-bone specialist docs don’t really like to talk MHT for OP treatment, just prevention. My oncologist and I agreed that the potential benefit is worth the risk for me. It’s important to note that I am screened twice a year, alternating mammograms with MRIs. The thinking is if a cancer does develop, we have a good shot at catching it early.

In my most recent annual visit to my oncologist, she suggested that I look at and consider switching to duavee. I’ll likely do this at some point, but have been hesitant to change just yet as the patch and progesterone have been working well for me.

There are two particular bits of reading you may find interesting. One is a book, Estrogen Matters. The other is the PROMISE study which looks at Duavee as potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer in women with DCIS.

Best of luck to you as you navigate this decision. It is such a highly personal choice and so much depends on your own risk / benefit assessment as well as your personal comfort level.

Hi, @soggybones I chose to begin MHT after my osteoporosis diagnosis though I have increased risk of breast cancer. Was diagnosed with LCIS at the age of 47 and took tamoxifen for 2.5 years. Diagnosed with osteoporosis at 52.

After reading everything I could find online, I scheduled an appointment for a risk / benefit conversation with my oncologist. We focused on menopause symptoms as I discovered most non-bone specialist docs don’t really like to talk MHT for OP treatment, just prevention. My oncologist and I agreed that the potential benefit is worth the risk for me. It’s important to note that I am screened twice a year, alternating mammograms with MRIs. The thinking is if a cancer does develop, we have a good shot at catching it early.

In my most recent annual visit to my oncologist, she suggested that I look at and consider switching to duavee. I’ll likely do this at some point, but have been hesitant to change just yet as the patch and progesterone have been working well for me.

There are two particular bits of reading you may find interesting. One is a book, Estrogen Matters. The other is the PROMISE study which looks at Duavee as potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer in women with DCIS.

Best of luck to you as you navigate this decision. It is such a highly personal choice and so much depends on your own risk / benefit assessment as well as your personal comfort level.