I have had cancer of the uterus. Can I take HRT?

Officially endometrial cancer is a contraindication for HRT although the risks have probably been overstated. The traditional advice that HRT is contraindicated is based on the knowledge that unopposed oestrogen predisposes to the cancer developing (endometrial cancer).

The majority of women found to have endometrial cancer present at an early stage and are likely to be cured by hysterectomy. Following successful surgery, many women subsequently develop debilitating menopausal symptoms which may not always respond to non-hormonal treatment. There are reports of such women receiving HRT and the results have been reassuring. One study reported a better outcome for such women receiving HRT than the controls who did not.

If a woman with a history of endometrial cancer develops symptoms that warrant HRT, the team of doctors responsible for the treatment of the cancer, including the gynaecologist and radiotherapist (doctor specialising in radiation treatment), should liaise to ensure consistency of advice. If HRT is to be prescribed it would seem appropriate to administer progestogen as well as oestrogen.

A nurse had a total abdominal hysterectomy (hysterectomy) and removal of both ovaries for endometrial cancer. When hot flushes became intolerable she elected to start HRT and she has continued to take it without problems for the last twelve years.

Q 27. 1 HRT help me with the psychological difficulties that I am experiencing around?
Q 27. 2 HRT help my mental ability?
Q 27. 3 Can HRT reduce my chance of developing heart disease?
Q 27. 4 How does HRT protect against coronary heart disease?
Q 27. 5 If I am at particular risk of heart disease, can HRT still help?
Q 27. 6 Do progestogens taken in combination with oestrogen replacement therapy have an adverse effect on heart protection?
Q 27. 7 How long should HRT be taken to reduce the risk of heart disease?
Q 27. 8 Is there any evidence that HRT will protect my bones?
Q 27. 9 Would the dose (strength) of my HRT influence its ability to protect my bones?
Q 27. 10 Are there other treatments apart from HRT for osteoporosis?
Q 27. 11 Would HRT help my skin?
Q 27. 12 Can hormone replacement therapy cure all my menopausal symptoms?
Q 27. 13 How prevalent is cancer of the breast?
Q 27. 14 What factors influence the chance of breast cancer developing?
Q 27. 15 What is the relationship between HRT and breast cancer?
Q 27. 16 I have benign breast disease. Can I take HRT?
Q 27. 17 Does a history of breast cancer mean that HRT is absolutely contraindicated?
Q 27. 18 If I started HRT early (aged 30 to 45), does this influence my chance of developing breast cancer?
Q 27. 19 Does hormone replacement therapy increase the risks of cancer of the womb?
Q 27. 20 I have had endometrial cancer and now have menopausal problems. Can I take HRT?
Q 27. 21 Does HRT have a relationship to ovarian cancer?
Q 27. 22 How does HRT relate to a blood clot (DVT - deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)?
Q 27. 23 I have varicose veins. Can I take HRT?
Q 27.24 Should HRT be discontinued before I have a major operation or leg surgery?
Q 27. 25 Does HRT increase life-expectancy?
Q 27. 26 I am still seeing periods. Could HRT have any benefits for me?
Q 27. 27 I have been told that I have fibroids. Can I take HRT?
Q 27. 28 What happens if I decide not to take HRT?
Q 27. 29 Doctors seem to promote HRT but the media cause me anxiety. Who is right?
Q 27. 30 Support Groups.

Do you have an unanswered women's health question?

Please let us have your general question on our NEW FORUM / MESSAGE BOARDS facility and we will try to answer it for you. I am sure that you will appreciate that we cannot offer advice on the management of an individual's specific problem.

Thank you for your visiting us at 2WomensHealth.com.

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London.

I do hope that you find the answers to your questions in the patient information and medical advice provided. If you still have unanswered questions, please consider entering them into one of our forums and I will try to assist you.

DISCLAIMER

The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.