But this combination can also lower levels of good cholesterol. Finding the proper hormone dose for each woman takes several months. Rebecca Bruce of Columbia said it is comforting to know that the symptoms can be treated. It helps to know that this too shall pass. Another risk that post-menopausal women face, is breast cancer.
Risk is higher after menstruation ends, than before.
Charting your family s history of breast cancer can be extremely helpful in determining your risk, said genetics counselor Karen Brooks, who also spoke at the free seminar sponsored by USC s School of Medicine. Five to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are hereditary, Brooks said. High-risk women include those with at least three family members who ve had breast or ovarian cancer, and those with relatives stricken before age 50, Brooks said. The results can be used to shape your treatment strategy, such as whether you should take tamoxifine. That drug cuts breast cancer risk, but raises uterine cancer risk.