Menopause

Hormone therapy remains underutilized in gynecologic cancer survivors

September 18, 2025

Study details: This 2024 web-based survey was distributed to members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to assess practice patterns regarding estrogen therapy (ET) prescription for patients with a history of endometrial cancer (EC), epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and cervical cancer. Respondents included 293 clinicians who answered questions about at least one cancer type.

Results: Willingness to prescribe ET was reported by 63.8% for EC and 65.2% for EOC, but nearly all (96.8%) would prescribe ET for cervical cancer. Gynecologic oncologists were significantly more likely than general OBGYNs to prescribe ET for EC (P=0.0006) and EOC (P=0.0009). Those in practice for 10 or more years (P=0.022), or who identified as male (P=0.019), were more likely to prescribe ET to EC patients. The most common reasons for not prescribing ET were concerns about contraindications, perceived better alternatives, and risk-benefit considerations, reasons cited more often by OBGYNs than oncologists.

Clinical impact: Despite evidence supporting ET safety in select gynecologic cancer survivors, misconceptions persist, especially among general OBGYNs and less experienced clinicians. Targeted education may help improve symptom management and quality of life for patients experiencing treatment-induced menopause.

Source:

McDowell JL, et al. (2025, September 9). Menopause. Estrogen therapy in patients with gynecologic cancer: a survey of gynecologists and oncologists in the United States. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40924876/