Decoding Hormone Therapy: Cancer Risk, Menopause, and Your Options | Dr. Michelle Jacobson

Fempower Health: The Perimenopause and Menopause Channel

Dr. Michelle Jacobson shares insights on hormone therapy for menopause and cancer risk. Learn about the role of shared decision-making, non-hormonal options, and testosterone therapy in personalized menopause care.

Menopause Hormone Therapy and Cancer Risk Episode Summary

Dr. Michelle Jacobson joins Fempower Health to discuss hormone therapy for menopause and the nuanced considerations around cancer risk. She emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making and tailoring hormone therapy to each woman’s unique health circumstances. While data suggests hormone therapy does not significantly increase cancer risk in most cases, the discussion varies depending on specific cancer types and individual medical backgrounds. Dr. Jacobson also addresses testosterone therapy for women, particularly for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and advocates for more research on the combined effects of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone on cancer risk. Additionally, she provides guidance on non-hormonal alternatives to manage menopausal symptoms. This conversation underscores the complexity of hormone therapy and the critical need for informed, individualized approaches.

Key Discussion Points:

• How does hormone therapy affect cancer risk, especially for breast and ovarian cancer?
• What role does shared decision-making play in hormone therapy choices?
• Are hormone therapy risks different based on the type of cancer?
• How is testosterone used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women?
• Why is more research needed on the effects of combining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone?
• What non-hormonal alternatives are available for managing menopausal symptoms?
• How can the Mirena IUD help with menopause symptom relief?
• What are the risks and benefits of bioidentical vs. synthetic hormone therapy?
• How can women find a menopause specialist who aligns with their needs?

“It's not fair to tell your patients, I just don't know. You should seek out a NAMS, which now is Menopause Society, expert colleague.” - Dr. Michelle Jacobson

Related to this Menopause Hormone Therapy and Cancer Risk episode:

• Learn about Dr Michelle Jacobson
• Read Martha Hickey: responding to the complexity of menopause
• Learn about The Menopause Foundation of Canada and The Menopause Society (US)
• Check out Fempower Health’s resources on Perimenopause and Menopause.

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Fempower Health Guest Bio

Dr. Michelle Jacobson is a menopause specialist in Toronto. She has a special interest in women who are prematurely menopausal due to cancer therapies and women with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. She directs the familial ovarian cancer program at Women’s College Hospital and has a masters of health science in translational research. She is a board member of the Canadian menopause society, and the menopause foundation of Canada

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor. Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**