Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the ovaries. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. Some factors that increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer include older age, family history of ovarian/breast/colon cancer, and never giving birth. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are two main types of HRT:
- Estrogen therapy - Estrogen alone is given when a woman no longer has her uterus due to hysterectomy
- Estrogen plus progestin therapy - Estrogen is given along with another hormone called progestin when a woman still has her uterus
Evidence on HRT and Ovarian Cancer
Several research studies have suggested that HRT may help lower ovarian cancer risk:
- A meta-analysis published in 2015 combined data from 52 studies. It found that ever use of HRT was associated with a 18% decreased risk of ovarian cancer compared to never use. The protective effect was stronger with increasing duration of HRT use.
- Another large UK study published in 2017 followed over 1 million women for 10 years. It found that current users of estrogen-only HRT had a 29% reduced risk of ovarian cancer compared to never users. Risk decreased with longer duration of use.
- Multiple studies have found the protective effect is strongest for estrogen-only HRT. Addition of a progestin seems to attenuate the beneficial effect on ovarian cancer.
So based on the research evidence, estrogen-only HRT seems to reduce ovarian cancer risk, especially with longer duration of use. The benefit is less clear with combination estrogen plus progestin therapy.
Guidelines on Using HRT for Cancer Prevention
Several health organizations have issued recommendations regarding use of HRT for cancer prevention:
- The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against using combined estrogen plus progestin HRT for chronic disease prevention, including cancer prevention in postmenopausal women.
- However, the International Menopause Society states that estrogen alone may be considered for primary prevention of cancers like ovarian and colorectal cancer in early postmenopausal women.
So HRT is not outright recommended for cancer prevention currently. But follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels indicate the onset of menopause.
Women under 60 years of age with FSH levels >40 IU/L may consider taking estrogen alone for 5 years to reduce ovarian cancer risk.
- Consult your doctor and check your hormone levels before starting HRT. Monitoring is required for safe long term use.
Renewal Hormone Clinic Therapy Clinic
Are you a menopausal or perimenopausal woman looking to understand your HRT options? Renewal Hormone Clinic Therapy Clinic](/) specializes in evidence-based, customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help women achieve optimum hormonal balance and health.
Our services include:
- Initial assessment, lab testing and monitoring throughout treatment
- Prescribing bioidentical estrogen, testosterone and/or progesterone as needed
- Ongoing follow-ups to evaluate treatment efficacy and safety
- Nutrition, supplement guidance and lifestyle coaching
With individualized therapy plans supervised by our expert physicians, we can help you make informed decisions regarding HRT for health conditions like ovarian cancer prevention. Contact us today to learn more and get started on feeling your best with hormone optimization.
