It may not be a dirty little secret, but there are other physical effects you should be aware of when you’re dealing with cancer, including two major ones that menopause brings on.

Yup. It can be a double whammy when you may least expect it. And, as we said in an earlier blog and on the website, don’t turn to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) because estrogen can help some breast cancers to grow.

So what are these two other physical effects?

One is heart disease. The good news there are things you can do to lower your risk, many of which you know about already because they are good tips for being healthier all around and for fighting cancer. Most important, of course, is DON’T SMOKE! That is the single worst thing you can do to your body, so never starting, or quitting if you’re already a smoker, is the best gift your body can receive.

Another possible consequence is osteoporosis, which is bone tissue loss. Ever hear of brittle bones or remember those ads with Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow’s) mom is walking around the woods or on a mountain with her friends? They were talking about osteoporosis, which makes you more at risk for broken bones – especially if you’re white, thin or have a small frame. Like heart disease, however, if you live a healthy lifestyle and avoid doing things like use tobacco and alcohol, you can lower your risk.

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