Everything You Need to Know About the O-Shot and M-Shot
By: The Hidden Epidemic of Sexual Health and What We Can Do
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 Tempe 480.968.5673
Glendale  602.374.3374
Phoenix  602.441.3305
Chandler480.447.1165
If you’ve been thinking about hormone replacement therapy but are worried about breast cancer, you’re not alone. It’s a concern I hear from women who want relief from menopause symptoms but aren’t sure what to believe about hormone treatment. Some women remember the alarming headlines from years ago. Others have
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If you’ve been thinking about hormone replacement therapy but are worried about breast cancer, you’re not alone. It’s a concern I hear from women who want relief from menopause symptoms but aren’t sure what to believe about hormone treatment.
Some women remember the alarming headlines from years ago. Others have heard that newer bioidentical hormones are safer. With so much conflicting information, it’s understandable to have questions.
The research has given us a clearer picture of hormone therapy and breast cancer risk, although there are still important questions researchers haven’t answered. Here’s what I want women to understand before making a decision.
Yes, certain types of hormone replacement therapy can increase breast cancer risk, but not all treatments have shown the same results.
Much of what we know comes from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a large research program that examined the effects of menopausal hormone therapy.
Two findings are especially important:
Estrogen combined with progestin: Women taking a specific combination of estrogen and synthetic progestin had a higher incidence of breast cancer than women taking a placebo.
Estrogen alone: Among women who had undergone a hysterectomy, those receiving estrogen alone had a lower incidence of breast cancer during long-term follow-up.
These results came from studies of particular medications. They don’t establish that every estrogen or progesterone formulation carries the same risk.
There is another important consideration. Women who still have a uterus generally need a progestogen when using systemic estrogen because estrogen alone can increase the risk of cancer in the uterine lining.
The right treatment depends on more than one potential risk, which is why reviewing your complete health history matters.
In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative released findings linking a particular combination of estrogen and progestin to increased breast cancer risk.
The news understandably worried women. Many stopped hormone therapy, and others decided they would never consider it.
What often gets lost in discussions about that study is that researchers were examining specific medications in a particular group of women. The findings were important, but they couldn’t answer every question about hormone treatment.
Since then, additional research has helped physicians better understand how the type of hormone therapy, a woman’s age and treatment duration can influence its benefits and risks.
The original breast cancer findings weren’t simply proven wrong. Instead, the years of research that followed gave us a more complete understanding of when hormone therapy may be appropriate and when caution is necessary.
Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.
In February 2026, the FDA approved labeling changes for six menopausal hormone therapy products. Statements about breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and probable dementia were removed from the products’ most prominent safety warning, known as the boxed warning.
That change received considerable attention, but it doesn’t mean the FDA declared hormone therapy free of breast cancer risk.
Information about these risks remains in other sections of product labeling. The changes also do not establish the safety of compounded hormone pellets, which were not the products covered by those approvals.
For women who have avoided treatment because of older headlines, this is a good reason to revisit the conversation with a medical provider and discuss what current research actually shows.
Bioidentical hormones are designed to have the same chemical structure as hormones naturally produced by the body.
That sounds reassuring, but the term bioidentical doesn’t automatically mean a treatment is safer or carries less breast cancer risk.
There are FDA-approved bioidentical hormone medications, as well as compounded preparations made by specialized pharmacies. The distinction matters because these products have not all undergone the same research or regulatory review.
Some studies suggest that micronized progesterone may have a different breast cancer risk profile than certain synthetic progestins. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of different hormone combinations.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy using pellets.
Pellets are placed beneath the skin and gradually release hormones over time. Because they remain in place for months, their effects cannot be stopped immediately if a patient develops a problem or needs a treatment change.
It’s important to understand that compounded hormone pellets are not FDA-approved medications. There also isn’t enough high-quality, long-term research to determine their breast cancer risk compared with FDA-approved hormone therapies.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends FDA-approved menopausal hormone treatments over compounded preparations when approved options are available.
I believe patients should know these distinctions before considering pellet therapy. Understanding the limitations of the research is just as important as understanding the potential benefits.
When a woman comes in to discuss hormone therapy, I want to know more than which symptoms she’s experiencing.
Her medical history helps determine whether hormone treatment deserves consideration and whether another approach may be more appropriate.
A few factors are particularly important:
A family history of breast cancer doesn’t automatically mean hormone therapy is off the table. However, a personal history of breast cancer requires particular caution and usually specialist involvement.
You don’t need to become an expert in hormone research before your consultation. But you should understand what is being recommended and why.
I encourage women to come prepared to discuss their symptoms, medical history and any concerns about breast cancer.
These are some questions worth asking your provider:
Bloodwork may be appropriate for certain clinical reasons, but hormone testing alone cannot predict breast cancer risk or establish that a treatment is safe.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, our hormone consultations include reviewing relevant medical history, discussing symptoms and evaluating whether our pellet-based treatment is an appropriate option.
Understanding hormone therapy involves more than knowing its potential risks. These articles offer additional information about bioidentical hormones, personalized treatment and how hormonal changes can affect your health and well-being.
It’s easy to become focused on reaching a specific protein goal, fiber target or calorie count. But nutrition during GLP-1 treatment involves more than tracking numbers.
Your needs can change as you lose weight, become more physically active or experience changes in appetite and digestion.
A plan that works during your first month of treatment may need adjustments several months later.
Medical guidance can help you determine whether you’re eating enough, identify potential nutritional gaps and make changes without relying on restrictive diets or conflicting online advice.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, we believe weight loss should support your overall health, not simply produce a lower number on the scale.
No. An increased risk does not mean every woman receiving treatment will develop breast cancer. Research shows that certain hormone combinations increase the likelihood of developing the disease, but most women taking those medications do not develop breast cancer.
For some types of combined estrogen-progestin therapy, longer use is associated with greater breast cancer risk. The relationship depends on the hormones used and other factors. Treatment duration should be reviewed periodically with your provider.
There is not enough reliable evidence to say testosterone pellets prevent breast cancer. Some observational studies have reported lower breast cancer rates among women receiving testosterone pellets, but those studies have significant limitations. Testosterone pellets should not be used as a breast cancer prevention treatment.
Systemic hormone therapy is generally not recommended after breast cancer, especially hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Certain low-dose vaginal treatments may be considered for specific symptoms under specialist guidance. Women with a breast cancer history should discuss hormonal treatment with their oncology team.
Breast cancer concerns deserve careful attention, especially when you’re considering a treatment that may affect your health for years.
What I hope women take away from this discussion is that hormone therapy isn’t one medication with one set of risks. Research continues to evolve, and we know more today than we did when the first Women’s Health Initiative headlines appeared.
You deserve clear information about what has been studied, what remains uncertain and how your own health history influences your choices.
If menopause symptoms are affecting your daily life, our medical team at Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa can help you explore whether hormone treatment is worth considering.
Valley Medical Weight Loss has been serving the Phoenix area for over 16 years, helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss and optimal health through evidence-based, physician-supervised programs. With over 80,000 successful transformations, we understand what it takes to lose weight and keep it off.
We offer GLP-1 medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide), traditional weight loss programs, personalized meal plans, and ongoing support. We’re proud to serve Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler and surrounding communities.
National Cancer Institute. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/mht-fact-sheet
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Clinical Consensus No. 6. 2023. Reaffirmed 2026.
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-consensus/articles/2023/11/compounded-bioidentical-menopausal-hormone-therapy
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves Labeling Changes to Menopausal Hormone Therapy Products. February 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-labeling-changes-menopausal-hormone-therapy-products
Office on Women’s Health. Hormone Therapy Safety. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/hormone-therapy-safety
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Hormone therapy decisions require an individualized evaluation by a licensed medical provider. Compounded hormone pellets are not FDA-approved, and their long-term breast cancer safety has not been established.
General Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting a weight loss program or GLP-1 medication.
Program Disclaimer: Valley Medical Weight Loss does not guarantee outcomes. Programs are medically supervised, but results vary by individual. All treatments require evaluation and prescription by a licensed provider.
By Dr. Samuel Zuniga, ND
Valley Medical Weight Loss | Chandler, Arizona
If you’ve been thinking about hormone replacement therapy but are worried about breast cancer, you’re not alone. It’s a concern I hear from women who want relief from menopause symptoms but aren’t sure what to believe about hormone treatment.
Some women remember the alarming headlines from years ago. Others have heard that newer bioidentical hormones are safer. With so much conflicting information, it’s understandable to have questions.
The research has given us a clearer picture of hormone therapy and breast cancer risk, although there are still important questions researchers haven’t answered. Here’s what I want women to understand before making a decision.
Yes, certain types of hormone replacement therapy can increase breast cancer risk, but not all treatments have shown the same results.
Much of what we know comes from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a large research program that examined the effects of menopausal hormone therapy.
Two findings are especially important:
Estrogen combined with progestin: Women taking a specific combination of estrogen and synthetic progestin had a higher incidence of breast cancer than women taking a placebo.
Estrogen alone: Among women who had undergone a hysterectomy, those receiving estrogen alone had a lower incidence of breast cancer during long-term follow-up.
These results came from studies of particular medications. They don’t establish that every estrogen or progesterone formulation carries the same risk.
There is another important consideration. Women who still have a uterus generally need a progestogen when using systemic estrogen because estrogen alone can increase the risk of cancer in the uterine lining.
The right treatment depends on more than one potential risk, which is why reviewing your complete health history matters.
In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative released findings linking a particular combination of estrogen and progestin to increased breast cancer risk.
The news understandably worried women. Many stopped hormone therapy, and others decided they would never consider it.
What often gets lost in discussions about that study is that researchers were examining specific medications in a particular group of women. The findings were important, but they couldn’t answer every question about hormone treatment.
Since then, additional research has helped physicians better understand how the type of hormone therapy, a woman’s age and treatment duration can influence its benefits and risks.
The original breast cancer findings weren’t simply proven wrong. Instead, the years of research that followed gave us a more complete understanding of when hormone therapy may be appropriate and when caution is necessary.
Subscribe for expert insights on building confidence, overcoming mental barriers, and achieving lasting weight loss success. Join patients who are transforming both body and mind.Join our newsletter for expert insights on treating melasma, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns. Our medical aesthetic team shares practical advice to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.
In February 2026, the FDA approved labeling changes for six menopausal hormone therapy products. Statements about breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and probable dementia were removed from the products’ most prominent safety warning, known as the boxed warning.
That change received considerable attention, but it doesn’t mean the FDA declared hormone therapy free of breast cancer risk.
Information about these risks remains in other sections of product labeling. The changes also do not establish the safety of compounded hormone pellets, which were not the products covered by those approvals.
For women who have avoided treatment because of older headlines, this is a good reason to revisit the conversation with a medical provider and discuss what current research actually shows.
Bioidentical hormones are designed to have the same chemical structure as hormones naturally produced by the body.
That sounds reassuring, but the term bioidentical doesn’t automatically mean a treatment is safer or carries less breast cancer risk.
There are FDA-approved bioidentical hormone medications, as well as compounded preparations made by specialized pharmacies. The distinction matters because these products have not all undergone the same research or regulatory review.
Some studies suggest that micronized progesterone may have a different breast cancer risk profile than certain synthetic progestins. However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of different hormone combinations.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, we offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy using pellets.
Pellets are placed beneath the skin and gradually release hormones over time. Because they remain in place for months, their effects cannot be stopped immediately if a patient develops a problem or needs a treatment change.
It’s important to understand that compounded hormone pellets are not FDA-approved medications. There also isn’t enough high-quality, long-term research to determine their breast cancer risk compared with FDA-approved hormone therapies.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends FDA-approved menopausal hormone treatments over compounded preparations when approved options are available.
I believe patients should know these distinctions before considering pellet therapy. Understanding the limitations of the research is just as important as understanding the potential benefits.
When a woman comes in to discuss hormone therapy, I want to know more than which symptoms she’s experiencing.
Her medical history helps determine whether hormone treatment deserves consideration and whether another approach may be more appropriate.
A few factors are particularly important:
A family history of breast cancer doesn’t automatically mean hormone therapy is off the table. However, a personal history of breast cancer requires particular caution and usually specialist involvement.
You don’t need to become an expert in hormone research before your consultation. But you should understand what is being recommended and why.
I encourage women to come prepared to discuss their symptoms, medical history and any concerns about breast cancer.
These are some questions worth asking your provider:
Bloodwork may be appropriate for certain clinical reasons, but hormone testing alone cannot predict breast cancer risk or establish that a treatment is safe.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, our hormone consultations include reviewing relevant medical history, discussing symptoms and evaluating whether our pellet-based treatment is an appropriate option.
Understanding hormone therapy involves more than knowing its potential risks. These articles offer additional information about bioidentical hormones, personalized treatment and how hormonal changes can affect your health and well-being.
It’s easy to become focused on reaching a specific protein goal, fiber target or calorie count. But nutrition during GLP-1 treatment involves more than tracking numbers.
Your needs can change as you lose weight, become more physically active or experience changes in appetite and digestion.
A plan that works during your first month of treatment may need adjustments several months later.
Medical guidance can help you determine whether you’re eating enough, identify potential nutritional gaps and make changes without relying on restrictive diets or conflicting online advice.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa, we believe weight loss should support your overall health, not simply produce a lower number on the scale.
No. An increased risk does not mean every woman receiving treatment will develop breast cancer. Research shows that certain hormone combinations increase the likelihood of developing the disease, but most women taking those medications do not develop breast cancer.
For some types of combined estrogen-progestin therapy, longer use is associated with greater breast cancer risk. The relationship depends on the hormones used and other factors. Treatment duration should be reviewed periodically with your provider.
There is not enough reliable evidence to say testosterone pellets prevent breast cancer. Some observational studies have reported lower breast cancer rates among women receiving testosterone pellets, but those studies have significant limitations. Testosterone pellets should not be used as a breast cancer prevention treatment.
Systemic hormone therapy is generally not recommended after breast cancer, especially hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Certain low-dose vaginal treatments may be considered for specific symptoms under specialist guidance. Women with a breast cancer history should discuss hormonal treatment with their oncology team.
Breast cancer concerns deserve careful attention, especially when you’re considering a treatment that may affect your health for years.
What I hope women take away from this discussion is that hormone therapy isn’t one medication with one set of risks. Research continues to evolve, and we know more today than we did when the first Women’s Health Initiative headlines appeared.
You deserve clear information about what has been studied, what remains uncertain and how your own health history influences your choices.
If menopause symptoms are affecting your daily life, our medical team at Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa can help you explore whether hormone treatment is worth considering.
Valley Medical Weight Loss has been serving the Phoenix area for over 16 years, helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss and optimal health through evidence-based, physician-supervised programs. With over 80,000 successful transformations, we understand what it takes to lose weight and keep it off.
We offer GLP-1 medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide), traditional weight loss programs, personalized meal plans, and ongoing support. We’re proud to serve Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler and surrounding communities.
National Cancer Institute. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/mht-fact-sheet
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Clinical Consensus No. 6. 2023. Reaffirmed 2026.
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-consensus/articles/2023/11/compounded-bioidentical-menopausal-hormone-therapy
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves Labeling Changes to Menopausal Hormone Therapy Products. February 12, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-labeling-changes-menopausal-hormone-therapy-products
Office on Women’s Health. Hormone Therapy Safety. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/hormone-therapy-safety
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Hormone therapy decisions require an individualized evaluation by a licensed medical provider. Compounded hormone pellets are not FDA-approved, and their long-term breast cancer safety has not been established.
General Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting a weight loss program or GLP-1 medication.
Program Disclaimer: Valley Medical Weight Loss does not guarantee outcomes. Programs are medically supervised, but results vary by individual. All treatments require evaluation and prescription by a licensed provider.
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