Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer

“Ovarian cancer is a rare condition but all the risks and benefits of hormone therapy need to be carefully considered when treating women at menopause”.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 the use of hormone therapy (HT) increase the risk of ovarian cancer?

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 Cancer Risk? 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 Cancer Risk? Does Oestrogen-Only HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer?, last reviewed 22 March 2023, the (United Kingdom) 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”.4

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

What did the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) note about the Meta-Analysis?

In Short-Term Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Comment From AMS the AMS President’s comments note:

“Ovarian cancer is a rare condition but all the risks and benefits of hormone therapy need to be carefully considered when treating women at menopause.

Women should not stop hormone therapy based on this study but if they are concerned they should discuss the findings with their doctor”.6

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

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

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New or Updated

  1. Ask Early Menopause.org
  2. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  3. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  4. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  6. Combined Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  7. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Therapy [Video]
  9. Deciding About Hormone Therapy
  10. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  11. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk?
  12. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Does Combined HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer?
  13. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Increase Cancer Risk? Does Oestrogen-Only HRT Increase the Risk of Cancer?
  14. Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
  15. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  16. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  17. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  18. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
  19. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
    Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  20. HRT
  21. HRT and Alternatives
  22. HRT – Types, Doses and Regimens
  23. HRT: Benefits and Risks – What You Should Know
  24. HRT: Summary
  25. Hormone Replacement Therapy
  26. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  27. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  28. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
  29. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Risks
  30. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  31. Hot Flashes
  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. Index To Drug-Specific Information [United States]
  36. 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
  37. Joint RCOG/BMS Statement: Lancet Study Examines Use of HRT and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Treating Menopause Symptoms [+ Video: Does the Menopause Happen Suddenly?]
  40. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  43. Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  44. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk
  45. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer
  46. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Venous Thromboembolism
  47. Menopausal Hormone Use and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Individual Participant Meta-Analysis of 52 Epidemiological Studies
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause
  50. Menopause & Herbs
  51. Menopause Management Options: Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  52. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  53. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  54. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  55. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 3. The Risks & Benefits of HRT
  56. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 4. The Different Types of HRT
  57. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  58. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Treating Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause
  59. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  60. Menopause Treatment
  61. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  62. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  63. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  64. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  69. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  70. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  71. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  72. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  73. OCCAM Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine [National Cancer Institute, United States]
  74. Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  75. Ovarian Cancer
  76. Ovarian Cancer
  77. Ovarian Cancer
    Ovarian Cancer
  78. Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
  79. Ovarian Cancer Risk and Causes
  80. Ovarian Cancer: How Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity Affect Ovarian Cancer Risk
  81. Ovarian Cancer: What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk?
  82. Short-Term Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  83. Signs and Symptoms
    Hormone Therapy and Ovarian Cancer
  84. Statement From Dr Rodney Baber, President IMS Re the Recent Report on Ovarian Cancer Risk Associated With HRT Usage Published In The Lancet, 13th February 2015
  85. Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
  86. The North American Menopause Society Releases Its 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
  87. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  88. Types of Hormone Therapy
  89. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  90. Video Series-2020: What You Need To Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  91. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  92. Video Series-2023: Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
  94. What Are the Benefits and Risks of HRT?
  95. What Is My Risk of Ovarian Cancer?
  96. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  97. What Is Ovarian Cancer?
  98. World Ovarian Cancer Day: What Is World Ovarian Cancer Day?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Short-Term Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Comment From AMS. Content Updated: 17 February 2015. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/news/729-short-term-use-of-hrt-and-ovarian-cancer-risk Accessed: 27 March 2023
  2. 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: 27 March 2023
  3. 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. Lancet Volume 385, ISSUE 9980, P1835-1842, May 09, 2015 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)61687-1/fulltext Accessed: 27 March 2023
  4. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase Cancer Risk? 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: 27 March 2023
  5. Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Increase Cancer Risk? Does Oestrogen-Only 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: 27 March 2023
  6. Joint RCOG/BMS Statement: Lancet Study Examines Use of HRT and Ovarian Cancer Risk. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. 13 February 2015 https://thebms.org.uk/2015/02/joint-rcogbms-statement-lancet-study-examines-use-of-hrt-and-ovarian-cancer-risk/ Accessed: 27 March 2023
  7. Short-Term Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Comment From AMS. Content Updated: 17 February 2015. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/news/729-short-term-use-of-hrt-and-ovarian-cancer-risk Accessed: 27 March 2023
  8. 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: 27 March 2023
Topic Last Updated: 27 March 2023  – Topic Last Reviewed: 27 March 2023

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