Menopause & Cancer

Hormone blocking treatments are often used for breast, endometrial (uterine), and ovarian cancers. In rare and specialized cases, they may be used to treat thyroid, adrenal, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers.

Type of MedicationExamplesUses of Medications
SERMSTamoxifen & RaloxifeneTamoxifen prescribed for pre-menopausal women. Both drugs block estrogen from binding to cancer cells
Aromatase InhibitorsLetrozole, Anastrozole, ExemestaneStops the body from producing estrogen in postmenopausal women
SERDSFulvestrant, ElacestrantDegrades estrogen receptors entirely
HRH AgonistsGoserelin, LeuprolideShuts down ovarian production of estrogen

Treatments that May Cause or Accelerate Menopause:
Hormone Blocking Treatments