Ovarian cysts and cyclic hormone replacement therapy: is there an association?

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate whether there may be an association between postmenopausal ovarian cysts and hormone replacement therapy.

Methods: The study comprised 564 consecutive, asymptomatic, postmenopausal women who were referred for routine, transvaginal ultrasound examinations between January 1 and December 31, 1995. Various demographic and ultrasonographic parameters were recorded on a prospectively-created, computerized data base.

Results: There was no difference in the prevalence of ovarian cysts with or without hormone replacement therapy (10.5% vs. 12.5%, respectively). However, in the subgroup of early postmenopausal women (40-55 years), the use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with a significantly reduced prevalence of ovarian cysts (10.4% vs. 28.6%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Hormone replacement therapy is associated with a reduced prevalence of ovarian cysts in early postmenopause.