However, the relationship between HRT and some gynaecological cancers remains controversial, especially with regard to breast cancer. The many studies carried out over the last 20 years to examine the relationship between HRT and breast cancer have produced conflicting results. Concern about the relationship between HRT and breast cancer is due to the presence of receptors for sex hormones in the breast.
Endometrial carcinoma occurs almost exclusively after the menopause.
In many cases, this progresses to adenomatous or complex hyperplasia with atypia, and some women may even go on to develop endometrial cancer. Voight et al. In fact an unpublished Norwegian study found the incidence of endometrial cancer to be more common in women not receiving HRT than in those taking combined therapy. Hence, for women with an intact uterus, a combination of oestrogen and progestogen should be prescribed for HRT, whether as a cyclic or a continuous regimen. The effects of continuous daily low-dose oestrogen and progestogen replacement therapy are not known yet because this regimen has only recently become popular.