Can HRT be used after stage 2 endometrial cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old woman who recently completed treatment for stage 2 endometrial cancer. I am now experiencing severe menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue.

Can hormone replacement therapy be used after stage 2 endometrial cancer?
In simple words, is hormone replacement therapy safe for someone with a history of uterine cancer, or can it increase the chance of the cancer coming back?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I am sorry that you are going through this, and I understand your concerns. I would need more details to understand your current status in the course of treatment.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be used after endometrial cancer in selected cases. Here is the evidence from scientific data published so far that addresses your concerns. Studies published over the past decades do not show an increased recurrence rate after starting hormone replacement therapy.

In the most recent systematic review, disease-free survival and recurrence analysis confirmed that HRT did not increase the risk of endometrial cancer recurrence (HR 0.90, 95 % CI 0.28 to 2.87; OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.83).In a subgroup analysis, Black American women were found to have a higher risk of endometrial cancer recurrence in one retrospective study.

Please consult your gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist to discuss the options available based on your symptoms and cancer history. I wish you a speedy recovery and relief from your symptoms.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.