Continuous vs. Sequential Estrogen-Progestin HT and Risk for Endometrial Cancer

Finnish national study results show that continuous use is safer than sequential use.

The long-term safety of different hormone therapy regimens has not been adequately studied in the context of endometrial cancer risk. In a national cohort study, investigators followed 224,000 Finnish women (age, >50) who used oral or transdermal estrogen-progestin (E+P) HT from 1994 to 2006. HT regimens were considered to be sequential if daily estradiol was accompanied by 10 to 14 days of progestin monthly or, in long-cycle regimens, during each 3-month interval. In continuous regimens, both estradiol and progestin were used nonstop. Incidence of endometrial cancer in E+P users was compared with that in all Finnish women.

A total of 1402 cases of incident endometrial cancer were identified. Compared with the general population, E+P users o…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Continuous vs. Sequential Estrogen-Progestin HT and Risk for Endometrial Cancer

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Reviewing Author