Is there a connection between hormone replacement therapy and ovarian cancer?
Nearly 40% of postmenopausal American women use hormone replacement therapy to relieve the symptoms of menopause. However, in a study released in May of 2002, researchers concluded that taking a combination therapy of estrogen plus progestin showed little benefit in reducing cardiovascular disease, as once believed. In fact, findings demonstrated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as stroke and invasive breast cancer. The studies have been inconclusive for ovarian cancer (JAMA).As a result, millions of women are reconsidering whether to start or continue HRT. It is important to note that these findings do not apply to women who have had hysterectomies or to those who have used unopposed estrogen (JAMA). While estrogen replacement therapy has been proven to increase ovarian cancer risk in some studies, more research is needed to determine if there is a link between combination HRT and the disease. In the meantime, women should discuss these finding with their health ca
