unPAUSED with Dr. Mary Claire Haver Can't Take Estrogen? Dr. Corinne Menn on Who Can, Who Can't & What's Changed
Dec 2, 2025
In a powerful conversation, Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OB-GYN and breast cancer survivor, delves into the complexities of hormone therapy for women. She highlights who can take estrogen, dispels common myths, and discusses the profound gaps in survivorship care, especially concerning sexual health and mental well-being. Dr. Menn shares her personal journey and emphasizes the importance of individualized care. She also explores non-hormonal strategies and the critical role of support networks for cancer survivors.
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Early Diagnosis Amid Personal Loss
- Dr. Corinne Menn discovered a breast lump during residency while her mother was dying of ovarian cancer, then faced diagnosis, mastectomy, chemo, and induced menopause.
- She returned to work quickly, juggled treatment and training, and fought to preserve fertility with embryo freezing.
Induced Menopause Was Overlooked
- Chemotherapy and Lupron induced abrupt menopause with severe hot flashes, insomnia, panic, and depression for Dr. Corinne Menn.
- She says clinicians offered Ambien but failed to prepare or treat menopausal symptoms proactively.
Don’t Withhold Vaginal Estrogen
- Offer vaginal estrogen to breast cancer survivors when appropriate because it relieves genitourinary syndrome and improves quality of life.
- Removing this option often prevents basic care like pap smears and damages relationships and urinary health.
