Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer

“Deciding to use MHT is a personal choice and should
involve discussions about the benefits and risks with
a healthcare professional who knows your health history”.1

Umbrella

What may the Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Cancer of the Ovary
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Hormone Therapy (HT)
  • Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (MHT)
  • Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer Risk

Does hormone therapy (HT) increase the risk of ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition explain:

“Hormone Replacement –
Your risk may be higher if you have taken hormone replacement”.2

On page 783 in The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Ovarian Cancer – Key Points published July 2022 and “endorsed by more than 20 well-respected international organizations”, two of the key points are:

  • “Current and recent use of hormone therapy is associated with a small but statistically significant risk of ovarian cancer in observational studies, principally for serous type, although there was no increase in ovarian cancer risk in women randomized to EPT in the WHI. (Level II)
  • In women with a history of ovarian cancer, benefits of hormone therapy use generally outweighs risks, especially with bothersome VMS or early menopause; use of hormone therapy is not advised in women with hormone-dependent ovarian cancers, including granulosa-cell tumors and low-grade serous carcinoma. (Level II)”.3

What is EPT?

EPT can be an abbreviation for Estrogen Plus Progestogen Therapy.

What is WHI?

WHI can be an abbreviation for the Women’s Health Initiative.

What is VMS?

VMS can be an abbreviation for Vasomotor Symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

What is Level II?

Level II is “Based on limited or inconsistent scientific evidence”.

Combined HRT

Does combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase the risk of ovarian cancer?

In Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer? Does Combined HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer? last reviewed 22 March 2023, the (United Kingdom) Cancer Research UK note:

  • “Ovarian cancer: combined HRT slightly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. When HRT is stopped, the increased risk starts to go back down”.4

Oestrogen-Only HRT

Does oestrogen-only HRT increase the risk of ovarian cancer?

In Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer? Does Oestrogen-Only HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer? Cancer Research UK note:

  • “Ovarian cancer: Oestrogen-only HRT slightly increases the risk of ovarian cancer. When HRT is stopped, the increased risk starts to go back down”.5

2015 Meta-Analysis

What was the Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovarian Cancer’s Interpretation in their Meta-Analysis?

In Menopausal Hormone Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Individual Participant Meta-Analysis of 52 Epidemiological Studies – Summary (Meta-Analysis) published 12 February 2015, the Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovarian Cancer’s Interpretation was:


Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer“The increased risk may well be largely or wholly causal; if it is, women who use hormone therapy for 5 years from around age 50 years have about one extra ovarian cancer per 1000 users and, if its prognosis is typical, about one extra ovarian cancer death per 1700 users”.5

Health Care Provider

If I choose to use hormone therapy (HT) what is my risk of ovarian cancer?

Different women who choose to use HT can have different risks of ovarian cancer. It may therefore be in your best interest to also choose to ask your health care provider about this.

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use, published 2022, the North American Menopause Society explain:

“Every woman is different, and you will decide about whether to use HT based on the severity of your symptoms, your personal and family health history, and your own beliefs about menopause treatments. Your healthcare professional will be able to help you with your decision”.7

Hormone Therapy and Ovarian CancerOn page three of Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 1. Who Is MHT For? Women With Existing Medical Conditions the International Menopause Society’s (IMS) Leaflet for Women for World Menopause Day 2024, the IMS include:

“Women with certain medical histories such as breast cancer and blood clots should talk to their healthcare professional about whether MHT is safe for them. Deciding to use MHT is a personal choice and should involve discussions about the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional who knows your health history”.8

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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New or Updated

  1. ACOG Explains: Managing Menopause Symptoms [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]
  2. ASCO: Conjugated Equine Estrogen May Increase Risk for Ovarian Cancer
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask Early Menopause]
  4. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  6. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  7. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  8. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  11. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  12. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer?
  13. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer? Does Combined HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer? Ovarian Cancer
  14. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer? Does Oestrogen-Only HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer? Ovarian Cancer
  15. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Impact of Estrogen Deficiency on Quality of Life In Asia and the Role of Continuous Combined MHT In Treatment (EN)
  16. February Is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month [Australia]
    Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer
  17. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  18. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  19. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  20. Five Facts
    Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer
  21. Foundationforwomenscancer.org [Foundation for Women’s Cancer, United States]
  22. HRT
  23. HRT Questions Answered
  24. HRT and Ovarian Cancer: Is There A Link?
  25. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  26. HRT: Benefits and Risks – What You Should Know
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives To Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  30. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  31. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  32. Hot Flashes
  33. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  34. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  35. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?] [Other Languages and Formats]
  37. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  38. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  39. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  40. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  41. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer
  42. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
  43. Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
  44. Menopausal Hormone Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Individual Participant Meta-Analysis of 52 Epidemiological Studies
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  47. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer
  48. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  49. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  50. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  51. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  53. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  54. Menopause Treatment
  55. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  56. Menopause and Natural Therapies
  57. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  58. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Hormone Therapy
  59. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  60. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  61. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  62. Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy [2024]
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  65. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  66. Natural Therapies
  67. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  68. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  69. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  70. OCCAM Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  71. Ovarian Cancer
  72. Ovarian Cancer
  73. Ovarian Cancer
  74. Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
  75. Ovarian Cancer Risk and Causes of Ovarian Cancer
  76. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks
    Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer
  77. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks – What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer?
  78. Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection
    Ovarian Cancer
  79. Ovarian Cancer/Primary Peritoneal
  80. Ovarian Cancer: Essential Facts You Need To Know – Mayo Clinic Health System [Video] [30 August 2024]
  81. Ovarian Cancer: Reducing Risk of Ovarian Cancer
  82. Risks and Causes
  83. The Menopause Society Statement on Misinformation Surrounding Hormone Therapy
  84. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  85. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  86. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  87. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  88. Types of Hormone Therapy
  89. Use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer Risk In A French Cohort Study
  90. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  91. Video & Podcast Library: Videos – World Menopause Day 2024: Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  92. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Abnormal Bleeding
  95. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  96. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  97. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  98. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women
  100. World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8, 2025
    Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 1. Who Is MHT For? Women With Existing Medical Conditions. 2024:3. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 04 May 2025
  2. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? World Ovarian Cancer Coalition https://worldovariancancercoalition.org/about-ovarian-cancer/symptoms-risk-factors/ovarian-cancer-symptoms/ Accessed: 04 May 2025
  3. The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Ovarian Cancer – Key Points. July 2022:783. North American Menopause Society  https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/nams-2022-hormone-therapy-position-statement.pdf Accessed: 04 May 2025
  4. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer? Does Combined HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer? Last Reviewed: 22 March 2023. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk Accessed: 04 May 2025
  5. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase the Risk of Cancer? Does Combined HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer? Last Reviewed: 22 March 2023. Cancer Research UK https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/does-hormone-replacement-therapy-increase-cancer-risk Accessed: 04 May 2025
  6. Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovarian Cancer. Menopausal Hormone Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Individual Participant Meta-Analysis of 52 Epidemiological Studies – Summary: Interpretation. 12 February 2015 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)61687-1/fulltext Accessed: 04 May 2025
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 04 May 2025
  8. Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy: 1. Who Is MHT For? Women With Existing Medical Conditions. 2024:3. International Menopause Society https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-WMD-Leaflet_English.pdf Accessed: 04 May 2025
Topic Last Updated: 10 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 May 2025

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