Ovarian cysts and cyclic hormone replacement therapy: is there an association?

Objectives. To evaluate whether there may be an association between postmenopausal ovarian cysts and hormone replacement therapy. Methods. The study comprised 564 consecutive, asymptomatic, postmenopausal women who were referred for routine, transvaginal ultrasound examinations between January 1 and December 31, 1995. Various demographic and ultrasonographic parameters were recorded on a prospectively-created, computerized data base. Results. There was no difference in the prevalence of ovarian cysts with or without hormone replacement therapy (10.5% vs. 12.5%, respectively). However, in the subgroup of early postmenopausal women (40-55 years), the use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with a significantly reduced prevalence of ovarian cysts (10.4% vs. 28.6%; p<0.05). Conclusions. Hormone replacement therapy is associated with a reduced prevalence of ovarian cysts in early postmenopause.