Menopause is a time when women undergo many physical changes. Hormone levels shift and many women start to experience different symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used to alleviate these symptoms. However, HRT has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Here are some of the drugs that may increase the risk of breast cancer during menopause:.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is a treatment that replaces the hormones that the body stops producing after menopause. HRT contains either estrogen alone or estrogen with progestin. Estrogen stimulates the growth of breast tissue while progestin counteracts the growth stimulation.

HRT, however, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. A 2019 study published by The Lancet found that women who use HRT are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who use a placebo.

2. Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that work by stopping ovulation. The hormones also thicken the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

The pill, however, contains estrogen and progestin, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. A 2017 study published in the journal Cancer Research found that women who took oral contraceptives within the last year had a 46% higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who had never taken the pill.

3. Antidepressants

Antidepressants are drugs commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. They work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can increase the risk of breast cancer. A 2017 study published in the journal JAMA found that women who took SSRIs had a 20% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use the drugs.

4. Blood Pressure Medications

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects many people around the world. Blood pressure medications, however, may increase the risk of breast cancer.

A 2015 study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who took calcium channel blockers, a type of blood pressure medication, had a 2.5-fold higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use the drugs.

5. Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as statins, are used to lower high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

A 2017 study published in the journal JAMA found that women who took statins had a 27% higher risk of developing invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer, compared to those who did not use the drugs.

6. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are drugs used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain. NSAIDs, however, can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A 2016 study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who used NSAIDs regularly had a 19% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use the drugs.

7. Anti-Anxiety Medications

Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, are used to treat anxiety and other mood disorders. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain.

Anti-anxiety medications may increase the risk of breast cancer. A 2015 study published in the journal The Breast found that women who took benzodiazepines had a 50% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use the drugs.

8. Diabetes Medications

Diabetes medications, such as insulin and metformin, are used to treat high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Insulin and other diabetes medications can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A 2017 study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who used insulin had a 22% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use the drug.

9. Opioids

Opioids are drugs commonly used to treat pain. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the body, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Opioids, however, can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A 2017 study published in the journal JAMA Oncology found that women who used opioids had a 45% higher risk of developing invasive ductal carcinoma compared to those who did not use the drugs.

10. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics, however, can increase the risk of breast cancer.

A 2019 study published in the journal JAMA Oncology found that women who used antibiotics had a 23% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who did not use the drugs.

Conclusion

Many drugs used to treat different conditions can increase the risk of breast cancer in menopausal women. Taking these drugs should be carefully considered and monitored by healthcare professionals.

Women should talk to their doctors before taking any medication and discuss the potential risks and benefits.