Hormone Therapy

I was diagnosed with incurable Ovarian Cancer in 2017 and had full hysterectomy and oophorectomy followed by chemotherapy up to end February 2023 as tumour reduced and CA125 levels fell.

Tumour still relatively small but CA125 level now gone up to 125. Consultant wants to start hormone treatment but as I don't have ovaries I don't understand why I need hormone therapy? Or is it possible to have non estrogen ovarian cancer? 

Thanks in advance 

Lainey56

  • Hello Lainey56 and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear your ca125 levels are rising, albeit slowly.

    Some ovarian cancers are oestrogen driven as you say. Whilst your ovaries have been removed the body can still produce oestrogen in fat and the adrenal glands that could be a factor in feeding your cancer.

    Hormone therapy ( to block oestrogen) sometimes is given to try and slow or stop the cancer cells growing, which I assume your doctors are hoping to do.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi