Health Information
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
Cause
The main cause of most type I endometrial cancer is too much of the hormone Reference estrogen Opens New Window compared to the hormone Reference progesterone Opens New Window in the body. This hormone imbalance causes the lining of the uterus to get thicker and thicker. If the lining builds up and stays that way, then cancer cells can start to grow. This can happen when a woman:
- Is obese. Fat cells make extra estrogen, but the body doesn't make extra progesterone to balance it out.
- Takes estrogen without taking a Reference progestin Opens New Window.
- Is taking Reference tamoxifen.
- Has Reference polycystic ovary syndrome Opens New Window.
- Starts her period before age 12 or starts menopause after age 55.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 22, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Ross Berkowitz, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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