National Guideline Clearinghouse | Estrogen and progestogen use in postmenopausal women: 2010 position statement of The North American Menopause Society.

Recommendations
Major Recommendations

Variations from 2008 Position Statement

Each section of the 2010 position statement has been updated using new studies and findings. Specifically, the sections on breast cancer, cognitive aging/decline and dementia, coronary heart disease, stroke, and discontinuance received special attention by the Advisory Panel in light of recently published literature. New sections added are Ovarian cancer and Lung cancer.


Ovarian Cancer

Published data on the role of HT and risk of ovarian cancer are conflicting. Most epidemiologic studies have shown no association or a modest increase. There is a relatively large volume of observational trial data that points to an association between HT use and increased ovarian cancer risk.

The association between ovarian cancer and HT beyond 5 years, if any, would fall into the rare or very rare category. Women at increased risk of ovarian cancer (e.g., those with a family history) should be counseled about this rare association.