After 10 years of estrogen-only HRT, the risk of endometrial cancer increases by approximately how many times?

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

After 10 years of estrogen-only HRT, the risk of endometrial cancer increases by approximately how many times?

Unopposed estrogen stimulates the endometrium, and without progesterone to oppose its effects, prolonged exposure leads to continued endometrial proliferation and a higher risk of malignant transformation. After about a decade of estrogen-only HRT, this risk becomes quite high—roughly nine times greater than in someone who hasn’t used estrogen. This is why adding a progestin to estrogen therapy in women with a uterus is recommended to reduce endometrial cancer risk. Shorter durations produce smaller increases, so the ninefold figure best fits long-term unopposed use.

Unopposed estrogen stimulates the endometrium, and without progesterone to oppose its effects, prolonged exposure leads to continued endometrial proliferation and a higher risk of malignant transformation. After about a decade of estrogen-only HRT, this risk becomes quite high—roughly nine times greater than in someone who hasn’t used estrogen. This is why adding a progestin to estrogen therapy in women with a uterus is recommended to reduce endometrial cancer risk. Shorter durations produce smaller increases, so the ninefold figure best fits long-term unopposed use.

More practice questions