HRT and family history of breast cancer?

[SuddenlyShoesan]

I believe I’m likely in peri and have made an appointment with a GP to talk about it, which is still weeks away. My mother had breast cancer twice and I’m reading conflicting information about whether HRT is appropriate or not. I will mention this history to the GP of course but I thought I would also ask the collective wisdom of MN in preparation for when the GP calls.

In terms of family history. This link might be helpful to MNers of Jewish heritage (even if only grandparents) concerned about their family history risk:

jewishbrca.org

I went to see a menopause specialist about HRT and my family history of breast cancer.
It depends exactly what risk. If you can get genetically tested, do it.

My risk is slightly elevated from the baseline but for me it's transforming my life so much that it's worth it.

The link below is a helpful infographic of the general baseline risks.

thebms.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WHC-Infographics-JANUARY-2023-BreastCancerRisks.pdf

HRT is possible until you get secondary BC; couple that with surgical menopause and hormone blockers and you are fucked!!

To keep osteoporosis at bay, it's recommended to add in strength training. Walking will help but strength training and sports where there's impact from jumping up and down is much better (as long as safe for you to do so) I speak as someone who was diagnosed with op in my 50s, and with strength training have managed to keep it from progressing. Am now considering starting hrt for the osteoporosis but there's breast cancer in my family, which is why I am following this thread.

Was coming on to say - be careful if you have Jewish heritage as seems to be a genetic link - glad someone posted the link above

if your sleep or mental health is really dire then you could try hrt for say six months? You don’t have to take it for years. If it’s about UTIs , painful genitals etc then you can have the topical cream which is not linked at all with cancer risk

and yes the sad fact is extra weight is linked with cancer risk and we all need to take that as seriously as we can (I know weight loss is hard and complex)

Thank you @Drivingawayfromhome
I do need to do some strength training as well. It's fitting everything in! The walking is easy as I can walk to work. I do wish I could just have the HRT, but apart from the fact I can't get it, I would worry about the breast cancer if I did take it. There is a lot of BC in my family, including in men, so my risk is quite high.

Burpees are a good and quick body strength exercise I find.