HomeAnswersEndocrinologyestrogenDoes high estrogen level during menopause indicate ovarian cancer?

Can high estrogen level during menopause cause ovarian cancer?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Hemalatha

Published At February 4, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 18, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 64 and in the postmenopausal stage. I had a hormone blood test and my testosterone was very low, less than 5. My vitamin D was low and my Estradiol was 73. I started to take supplements, all-natural like DHEA, vitamin D, HGH and Smilax. I just got tested again and my vitamin D is fine. But, my Estradiol is even higher and my testosterone is 114. Now, two days before, I took the test while on Smilax which I know has its effect on testosterone level. I am mostly worried about estradiol and ovarian cancer.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your estrogen level should be low at the postmenopausal stage. But, your estrogen level is similar to the level of normal reproductive years. Estrogen helps bone but carries the risk of breast cancer, and uterine (endometrial) cancer. Estrogen therapy in the postmenopausal period also carries the potential risk of ovarian cancer. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) can help to increase energy and sex drive (libido) but not definite. DHEA is converted in the body to testosterone.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I do not feel my question was answered. I am asking if having high estrogen without any estrogen replacement therapy and high DHEA may in and of itself be an indication of ovarian cancer? Is the high testosterone combined with the high estrogen, an indication of possible ovarian cancer?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Only estrogen replacement in the form of hormone replacement therapy is known to be associated with ovarian cancer. I am not aware of any studies showing the body's own secretion of estrogen (high or low) associated with ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cells express the estrogen receptors so that they can be stimulated to grow by estrogen. I am not aware of any studies showing a correlation between blood testosterone level and risk of ovarian cancer.

Please feel free to ask if further clarification is required.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anantha Bhaskar Ramalingam
Dr. Anantha Bhaskar Ramalingam

Endocrinology

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