Published: October, 2025
Published: October, 2025
Featured Physician
Cathleen M. BrownHost
Episode #27 of The Menopause Hour with Winona was a Live Q&A hosted by Madi Baldwin with Winona's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Green and Medical Director Dr. Cathleen Brown, titled "Breast Cancer Awareness and HRT: Myths, Facts, and Safe Care."
Recorded for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the doctors addressed common fears about HRT and breast cancer risk, the value of regular mammograms, and questions on dosing, hysterectomy care, and hormone testing.
Podcast: The Menopause Hour with Winona
Episode Number: 27
Episode Title: Episode #27: Breast Cancer Awareness and HRT: Myths, Facts, and Safe Care
Host: Madi Baldwin
Featured Physicians: Dr. Cathleen Brown
Published Date: October 17, 2025
Episode Duration: 1 hr
Format: Menopause Q&A
Main Topics: Breast cancer myths & HRT, Mammogram screening, Hormone testing myths
The Menopause Hour with Winona is a health and wellness podcast hosted by Winona's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Green, and Medical Director, Dr. Cathleen Brown. The show addresses common questions about perimenopause and menopause, combining medical expertise with straightforward discussions of symptoms, treatment options, and the science behind the menopause transition.
Episodes include live Q&A sessions, doctor-led conversations, and patient stories. In its live Q&A format, women from Winona's community submit questions directly to the hosts, creating practical discussions shaped by the concerns women commonly bring to their own doctors.
Timed with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this episode opened with a reminder to keep up with mammograms and breast exams. Dr. Green explained that mammogram radiation exposure is minimal, and screening remains one of the most effective ways to catch breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.
The doctors then took listener questions on one of the most common fears patients bring to HRT: breast cancer risk. Dr. Green explained that a family history alone isn't disqualifying, and went over how estrogen and progesterone affect that risk differently. He was careful to frame HRT's cardiovascular and cognitive benefits as separate considerations from breast cancer risk rather than points that offset it. The conversation also covered dosing, hysterectomy care, and why hormone testing still isn't part of how Winona guides treatment.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of regular mammograms
Why mammogram radiation risk is minimal compared to its screening benefit
Abnormal bleeding and spotting when starting HRT
Introducing tretinoin cream slowly to avoid excess dryness
Comparing Winona's compounded HRT to medications from an in-person doctor
Starting with a low HRT dose and adjusting gradually based on symptoms
Family history of breast cancer versus a known genetic marker like BRCA
How estrogen and progesterone differ in their effect on breast cancer risk
HRT options for women who've had a hysterectomy but kept their ovaries
Estrogen's possible role in supporting cognitive health
Why hormone and Dutch urine testing aren't used to guide treatment
Heart palpitations and other symptoms tied to fluctuating hormone levels
Dr. Green explained that mammogram radiation exposure is minimal. Screening guidelines are built around catching breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Regular mammograms and breast exams remain one of the most effective tools for catching problems early.
Dr. Green explained that most breast cancers occur without a hereditary cause, so a family history alone usually isn't disqualifying. A known genetic marker like BRCA changes the picture and typically calls for in-person evaluation rather than telehealth.
Older research found that estrogen alone was associated with a slightly lower breast cancer risk, while combined estrogen and progesterone showed a modest increase. Dr. Green noted that newer research on the bioidentical, micronized progesterone used at Winona suggests it may not carry that same increased risk, though the data isn't yet conclusive.
Dr. Green pointed to research showing HRT is associated with lower cardiovascular risk and may help support cognitive health. These are separate clinical considerations from breast cancer risk, not points that offset or outweigh it. A doctor weighs both as part of a patient's overall health picture.
Dr. Green reiterated that hormone levels fluctuate too much throughout the day to be useful, and that tests like Dutch urine testing aren't backed by the ACOG or The Menopause Society. Treatment is best guided by symptoms, not lab numbers.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Cathleen Brown is a menopause specialist and physician with Winona. She brings a physician’s perspective to menopause, perimenopause, hormone changes, symptom care, and treatment options during midlife.
At Winona, Dr. Brown helps women better understand symptoms, health history, hormone changes, and when physician-reviewed care may be appropriate.
Watch the full conversation with Dr. Cathleen M. Brown on
The Menopause Hour with Winona with Madi Baldwin.
Winona helps women access menopause and perimenopause care from home. Start with a short health questionnaire, and a board-certified physician will review your symptoms, health history, and treatment options.
