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Survey Reveals Misconceptions Hinder Hormone Therapy for Gynecologic cancer Survivors
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A recent survey highlights differing views among healthcare professionals regarding the safety and efficacy of estrogen therapy for women with a history of gynecologic cancer.
by Amelia Smith | NEW YORK – 2025/09/10 10:49:48
A new survey explores the use of estrogen therapy in women who have survived gynecologic cancer, revealing a range of opinions and practices among healthcare providers.
Key Survey Findings
- Approximately 64% of respondents prescribe estrogen therapy to patients with endometrial cancer.
- Around 65% of respondents are pleasant prescribing estrogen to patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
- Over 96% of respondents are comfortable prescribing estrogen for patients with cervical cancer.
“Recognizing when hormone therapy can be safely used will have a beneficial affect on overall well-being and health.”
Prescribing habits varied significantly based on factors such as gender, job title, and years of experience. The survey data suggests that gynecologists specializing in benign conditions and those with less experience might potentially be more likely to have inaccurate beliefs about the safety of hormone treatments.
The survey also inquired about preferred alternatives to estrogen therapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were the most popular choice (88.4%), followed by gabapentin (58%), and neurokinin-3 antagonists (46.4%).
Research indicates that hormone therapy is generally a safe and effective treatment for managing troublesome menopause symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. The most common reason cited for not prescribing estrogen therapy to patients with a history of gynecologic cancer was the perception that the risks outweighed the benefits. While this may be true for some cancers, it is not universally applicable.
According to DR. MONICA CHRISTMAS, associate medical director for THE MENOPAUSE SOCIETY, “Treatment for gynecologic cancers often accelerates the onset of menopause and contributes to more severe symptoms in this population. Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for the management of vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Recognizing when hormone therapy can be safely used will have a beneficial effect on overall well-being and health.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is estrogen therapy safe for all women with a history of gynecologic cancer?
- no, the safety of estrogen therapy depends on the type and stage of cancer, prior treatments, and individual risk factors. It should be discussed with an oncologist.
- What are the alternatives to estrogen therapy for managing menopausal symptoms?
- Alternatives include SSRIs,gabapentin,and neurokinin-3 antagonists,as well as lifestyle modifications.
- Why do some healthcare professionals hesitate to prescribe estrogen therapy to cancer survivors?
- The most common reason is the belief that the risks outweigh the benefits, although this is not true for all gynecologic cancers.
- How does treatment for gynecologic cancers affect menopause?
- Treatment can accelerate the onset of menopause and contribute to more severe symptoms.
- What is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause in cancer survivors?
- Hormone therapy is considered the most effective treatment, but its use should be carefully evaluated by a healthcare professional.
