Hormone Replacement Therapy: Separating Fact from Fear for Menopause, Heart Health, and Breast Cancer

Welcome to Infinite Health. Today's episode tackles one of the most critical and confusing issues facing women as they approach menopause: hormone replacement therapy (HRT). With one in three women over 50 taking HRT, questions swirl around whether it protects the heart or puts breast health at risk. To unravel the facts from the fear, Dr. Arasi Maran, a cardiologist who specializes in coronary artery disease in women and treats breast cancer survivors, giving her unique insight at the intersection of these major health concerns. Together, we’ll break down the latest evidence on HRT’s benefits and risks, debunk persistent myths, and offer a practical, personalized framework for navigating menopause with confidence. If you or someone you love is facing menopause, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.00:00 Specializing in women's heart health04:08 Discussing menopause fears06:47 Effects of menopause on body composition11:12 Discussing bioidentical hormones14:11 Transdermal vs. oral estrogen risks17:59 Impact of stopping HRT on cancer risk22:23 Breast cancer survivors and HRT discussion24:41 HRT advice for women in 50s28:15 Assessing risks for HRT decisions33:10 Managing hot flashes with medication and lifestyle35:25 Choosing the Right HRT Plan