Does HRT raise cancer risk after endometriosis?

Endometriosis is associated with a slightly higher lifetime risk of certain ovarian cancers, but the overall (absolute) risk for most people remains low. When it comes to menopause hormone therapy, the research in people with prior endometriosis is limited, so decisions are usually individualized based on your symptoms, history, and whether you still have a uterus.

In general, if hormone therapy is used and the uterus is present, combined therapy (estrogen with a progestogen) is often preferred over estrogen-only approaches to help balance benefits and risk. We also take any new or changing symptoms seriously—especially postmenopausal bleeding, persistent bloating, or progressively worsening pelvic pain—and use them as cues to evaluate promptly rather than “wait and see.” If you have a strong family history of cancer or a known genetic mutation, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team so we can tailor a plan that prioritizes both symptom relief and long-term safety.