[Postmenopausal estrogen and endometrial neoplasms].

The risk of developing endometrial cancer from post-menopausal estrogen use is discussed. Post-menopausal estrogen use has increased in Sweden from 4% to 8% of women 45-54 years of age between 1973 and 1978. Studies have shown that the risk of developing endometrial cancer increases after 3 years of estrogen treatment. In Sweden most post-menopausal estrogen treatment is prescribed for less than 3 years and the estrogens are prescribed in dosages just high enough to avoid unwanted side effects. No definite causal relationship has been established between post-menopausal estrogen use and the increased incidence of endometrial cancer. A risk-benefit analysis weighs the benefits of post-menopausal estrogen treatment against possible risks. Estrogens should be prescribed in as low dosages and for as short a time as possible to avoid possible risks.