Menopause is a major phase in the life cycle of every woman that marks the end of menstrual cycle and fertility.

As it is a natural biological process, it often brings a lot of hormonal changes in the woman’s body that may lead to a variety of physical and mental symptoms. To deal with these symptoms, some women opt for medications that may provide relief, but few of these medications may also elevate the risk of breast cancer. Here we will discuss these medications.

#1 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed treatment for menopausal symptoms. It involves the use of synthetic hormones like estrogen and progesterone to supplement the natural hormones that decrease during menopause.

However, studies have found that long-term use of HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women.

#2 Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a type of medication that is used by women to prevent pregnancy. However, these pills contain synthetic hormones that change the hormone levels in the body.

Studies suggest that the use of birth control pills for more than five years may increase the risk of breast cancer in women.

#3 Antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and anxiety. These medications work by changing the level of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

One of the most commonly prescribed classes of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Studies have found that the use of some SSRIs may increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women.

#4 Blood Pressure Medications

Blood pressure medications work by reducing the pressure on the walls of arteries. However, some blood pressure medications may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are one example of blood pressure medications that may increase the risk of breast cancer. These medications work by reducing the level of calcium in the heart and blood vessels, but studies suggest that they may also cause changes in the breast tissue that increase the risk of breast cancer.

#5 Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Statins are a class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the body. These medications are commonly prescribed to menopausal women who have high cholesterol levels.

Studies have found that the long-term use of statins may increase the risk of breast cancer.

#6 Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are medications that are used to suppress the immune system in patients who have autoimmune diseases or have had organ transplants.

Studies have found that the use of some of these medications may increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women.

#7 Anti-Anxiety Medications

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. These medications work by increasing the level of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain.

Studies have found that the long-term use of benzodiazepines may increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women.

#8 Diabetes Medications

Diabetes medications are used to control blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed diabetes medications.

Studies have found that metformin may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with diabetes, however, other diabetes medications may increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women.

#9 Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of medications used to reduce pain and inflammation. These medications are commonly prescribed to women with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

Studies suggest that the long-term use of NSAIDs may increase the risk of breast cancer.

#10 Antipsychotics

Antipsychotics are medications used to treat mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These medications work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Studies suggest that the long-term use of some antipsychotics may increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women.