Does Estrogen Therapy Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a full/complete Hysterectomy, 2 weeks ago. I'm 42 years old. Ever since I had the Hysterectomy, I've been extremely anxious and feeling unsettled. I didn't want to start on Estrogen, since I smoke the electronic cigarette and my Mom and her Mom had breast cancer. I finally broke down and started using Divigel 1 mg daily. However, I feel absolutely horrible. More emotionally than physically. Any advice, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Estrogen therapy alone is not known to increase the risk of cancer breast.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I will be answering your concerns today.

I appreciate your anxiety and concerns.

Since you are asked to take estrogen I presume that the ovaries are removed.
At what age your mother had cancer breast?
The risk to you depends on at what age she had cancer.

Estrogen therapy alone is not known to increase the risk of cancer breast in the available studies so far. Moreover you are taking a very small dose of it. It is the combined estrogen-progesterone therapy which is associated with slightly increased risk of cancer breast. So do not worry at all.

do reduce the ferquency of electronic cigarette smoking
Along with estrogen therapy start regular exercises. Eat healthy food. Add plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

I hope this helps.
If you have further concerns, I will be happy to answer

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar