Find Out What Researchers are Saying about Estrogen and Breast Cancer

Women turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options when their natural estrogen hormone levels drop below healthy levels. This reduction can happen for a variety of reasons, including ovarian cancer and other complications, complete hysterectomies, or the natural course of age and menopause. When the normal balance of chemicals within the body is disturbed, several persistent and painful ailments can plague women, driving them to doctors to find relief. HRTs are a popular course of action, as they infuse the body with the much-needed hormone. However, many researchers, clinical doctors, patients, and lawyers can attest to the fact that there is a very real link between estrogen and breast cancer.

Victims of HRTs do not all experience identical side effects, nor is every victim guaranteed to end up in the hospital due to complications. In fact, one or more of the more severe problems listed below may occur from time to time.

Increased risk of breast cancer (usually after 4 or more years on therapy)
Unusual breast density, which may lead to breast cancer and makes mammogram interpretation difficult
Increased risk of ovarian cancer
Increased risk of blood clots that can lead to stroke
Increased risk of heart attack
Increased risk of gall bladder disease

Luckily, not everyone taking an HRT will have lifelong ailments such as the ones listed above. Many will react more mildly. Milder reactions include many of the Premarin, Prempro, and Estrace side effects listed below.

Breast pain and unusual swelling
Abdominal pain from “bloating” or atypical fluid retention
Mild headaches and dizziness
Decreased sex drive
Increased amounts of acne and hair growth

Of course, if any of these problems should arise, they should be monitored very closely, as they can be signs of problems that could develop into more concerning issues, such as stroke or cancer.

Prempro and Premarin are both products of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a company that was purchased by Pfizer in 2008. Estrace can be either a vaginal cream for temporary relief of sexual symptoms, or an oral pill taken to relieve the wider variety of menopause and other estrogen-interrupting ailments. Estrace is only one brand name for estiradol, a generic estrogen that is manufactured by many different companies.

If you or anyone you know has taken any of the HRT medications listed above and has experienced side effects, be sure to contact a medical professional immediately. Once your doctor or physician has had a chance to examine you fully, they will document your pain or injuries. Take this information to a qualified personal injury attorney, and they will help you to discover and secure your legal rights in the United States. It is important that you retain all documentation and being the process early, as a delay in the process may mean that you lost legal opportunities, such as monetary or other forms of compensation from drug manufacturers.