Menopausal hormone therapy in women with benign gynaecological conditions and cancer

Abstract

The efficacy of menopausal hormone therapy for bothersome menopausal symptoms is well established. However, there are a range of benign and malignant gynaecological conditions that pose a challenge in managing menopausal symptoms. Their hormone-dependent nature either raises concerns about symptom recurrence or malignant disease progression making decisions about menopausal hormone therapy complex for both clinicians and patients. It appears there is a small potential for symptom recurrence with menopausal hormone therapy use in menopausal women with a history of severe endometriosis. Malignant transformation of previous endometriotic lesions is likely to be rare but is not adequately understood. In this setting, combined hormone therapy is preferred, including in woman post-hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids are not a contraindication to menopausal hormone therapy use but women with large fibroids at menopause should have regular follow-up of their fibroids. Generally, menopausal hormone therapy is considered appropriate for women with cervical cancer and most ovarian cancers except for low grade serous tumours. Endometrial cancer requires an individualised discussion. The overall quality of data in this area is poor but suggests women with a low risk of recurrence may consider hormonal therapy, balancing symptom impact with prognosis.