| |
When to See the Doctor |
| |
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Watery, milky discharge
Pain in the lower abdomen
Painful urination
Pain during sexual intercourse
|
|
|
Causes
Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates the growth of endometrial cells, especially in the glands. Research has shown that women who develop uterine cancer often have had more exposure to the natural estrogen produced by the ovaries.
These are women who began to menstruate before age 12 or who began menopause later than average. Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy may also increase the risk of uterine cancer. Other conditions of high estrogen exposure include chronic anovulation (condition in which women do not ovulate, such as women with polycystic ovary syndrome) and obesity.
More on Uterine Cancer What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Cancer of the Uterus?
What Is Uterine Cancer?
In the Encyclopedia:
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial biopsy
Hysterectomy
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
|
|
|
