August 30, 2024

Ep 121 - Controversial or Lifesaver? Dr. Louise Newson on Prescribing HRT After Breast Cancer - HRT after Breast Cancer Mini-Series Part 04

50 minutes

The fourth episode in the HRT after breast cancer series features Dr. Louise Newson, who has faced criticism for her willingness to prescribe HRT to breast cancer patients. At the same time, she has been described as a lifesaver by many of the women she treats.

Dr. Louise Newson is a GP who has transformed the landscape for menopausal women worldwide. She became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1998 and a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs in 2016. She is also a menopause specialist and a member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce.

This mini-series explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after breast cancer, a controversial and emotive subject. The conversation focuses on the further understanding of risks and benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or also MHT (menopause hormone therapy), the emotional impact on patients, and the different views among medical professionals.

The goal is to provide understanding for patients seeking HRT after breast cancer and insight for doctors on how to move forward without robust evidence. Dani Binnington, host of the Menopause And Cancer podcast, and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Menopause And Cancer has spoken to hundreds of women who feel like they are in a void and have nowhere to turn to in discussing this difficult topic. Welcome to our HRT after breast cancer series.

In this episode we discuss:

Dr. Newson’s passion for empowering women to navigate the menopause
How it felt when Dr. Newson prescribed HRT to a breast cancer patient for the first time
The role of shared-decision making
Holding uncertainty between the doctor and the patient
Empowering women to make informed decisions about their health is crucial in improving their quality of life

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

03:09 Challenges of hormone replacement therapy after cancer.

06:38 Doctor offers hormonal treatment to patient post-surgery.

12:00 Alternative options suggested for women's health without HRT.

20:45 Adjuvant treatment side effects and drug holidays.

23:40 Discussing oestrogen management for cancer survivors post-menopause.

30:28 Lack of research on women's health risks.

44:04 Advocate for women's health and research needs.

47:03 Effective communication between patients and doctors crucial.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

The walking challenge I mention is here for you: https://move-with-menopause-and-cancer.raiselysite.com/

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By Dani Binnington

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