Hormone therapy that combines estrogen with progestin has been linked to increased risk of which condition?

Hormone therapy that combines estrogen with progestin has been linked to increased risk of which condition?

• A. Breast cancer
• B. Alzheimer's disease
• C. Cataracts
• D. Hearing loss

Answer: (A)

Combining estrogen with progestin increases exposure to progestin, which stimulates breast tissue. Estrogen also promotes breast cell proliferation, and together they add a level of mitogenic stimulation that can raise the risk of developing breast cancer over time. Large studies have shown a higher incidence of breast cancer in users of combined therapy, particularly with longer use, and the risk tends to decrease after stopping the treatment. Evidence does not show the same clear and consistent link with Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, or hearing loss, so breast cancer is the condition most strongly associated with this hormone combination.

Combining estrogen with progestin increases exposure to progestin, which stimulates breast tissue. Estrogen also promotes breast cell proliferation, and together they add a level of mitogenic stimulation that can raise the risk of developing breast cancer over time. Large studies have shown a higher incidence of breast cancer in users of combined therapy, particularly with longer use, and the risk tends to decrease after stopping the treatment.

Evidence does not show the same clear and consistent link with Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, or hearing loss, so breast cancer is the condition most strongly associated with this hormone combination.