Long-term postmenopausal hormone therapy and endometrial cancer Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
OverviewHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also widely known as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), refers to the medical use of hormones, primarily estrogen, with or without a progestogen, to replace the natural decline in ovarian hormone production that occurs during the menopausal transition.[1] The therapy is intended to alleviate the diverse symptoms caused by falling estrogen levels […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study investigates the association between long-term postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) use and the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Specifically, it examines different HT regimens, including estrogen therapy (ET) and estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT), and how their duration and composition may influence the risk of endometrial cancer. The research uses data from the California Teachers Study (CTS), a large cohort of women, to analyze hormone therapy patterns and their correlation with endometrial cancer incidence.
Who was studied?
The study population consisted of 311 women diagnosed with invasive endometrial cancer and 570 control women, all part of the CTS cohort. The participants were postmenopausal women who had not undergone hysterectomy and were part of an ongoing study of California teachers. The study controlled for factors such as age, race, BMI, reproductive history, and other known endometrial cancer risk factors.
Most important findings
The study found that long-term use (≥10 years) of ET, short-sequential EPT, and continuous-combined EPT (progestin ≥25 days/month) were all associated with a significantly increased risk of endometrial cancer. The risk was most pronounced for women using ET and short-sequential EPT, with odds ratios (ORs) of 4.5 and 4.4, respectively. Continuous-combined EPT was associated with an OR of 2.1 for long-term use. The risk for continuous-combined EPT was higher among women with a BMI <25 kg m2, whereas heavier women (bmi ≥ 25 m2) had a reduced or neutral risk. furthermore, the duration of hormone therapy use showed dose-dependent relationship with cancer risk, longer durations significantly elevating likelihood endometrial cancer.< p>
Key implications
The findings underscore the importance of considering both the type of hormone therapy and the duration of use when evaluating cancer risks in postmenopausal women. Clinicians should be aware that long-term use of ET or short-sequential EPT, especially in women with a lower BMI, significantly increases endometrial cancer risk. However, continuous-combined EPT may have a more complex risk profile, with its effects potentially modulated by body weight. These results suggest the need for personalized approaches to hormone therapy, where treatment regimens and duration are carefully tailored to minimize cancer risks, particularly in lean women.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a steroid hormone primarily found in women, crucial for reproductive health, secondary sexual characteristics, and various physiological processes. It regulates menstrual cycles, supports pregnancy, and influences bone density and cardiovascular health. Dysregulation of estrogen levels can lead to various disorders and health complications.