There are many benefits of hormone replacement therapy however there is some concern that hormone replacement therapy, HRT, could be a risk factor for cancer. The cancers that are most common with hormone replacement therapy include endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. This is especially the case when this type of therapy is taken for a long period of time, like 10 years or more.

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is a concern with hormone replacement therapy especially when the estrogen replacement is given without supplementing progestin as well. During the 1940s through the 1970s it became obvious that women experienced a considerably higher risk of endometrial cancer when they did not receive progestin in addition to the estrogen. However, women who have had hysterectomies do not need the progestin supplementation and will not experience a higher level of endometrial cancer when taking only estrogen.

Ovarian Cancer

Many studies show there is a link between hormone replacement therapy and ovarian cancer. Some studies suggest that the increased risk occurs when hormone replacement therapy is taken after menopause and not necessarily during it. Regardless, there have been enough studies to show there is a correlation between hormone replacement therapy and ovarian cancer.

Breast Cancer

There have not been enough studies to show the correlation between breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy. However, many women believe they will likely develop breast cancer if they use hormone replacement therapy. It is known that a woman’s exposure to estrogen and other naturally occurring hormones increases her risk of breast cancer. Adding these hormones to the body as a form of treatment of menopause could very likely play a role in breast cancer.

Not all women who take hormone replacement therapy will develop one or more of these cancers. However, there are a sufficient number of women who will develop cancer as a result of hormone replacement therapy that it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of supplementing with these drugs.

Posted in Menopause

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