If I need to take HRT at a younger age does that mean my risk increases over time more than someone who starts HRT at the natural age of the menopause?

No- if you have premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause we are simply replacing hormones that you have lost too early. We only start counting ‘years on HRT’ from the age of the natural menopause, around age 51. The ‘extra’ years on HRT if you have had to start it at a younger age are not thought to incur a cumulative risk of breast cancer.