[Estrogens and the endometrium]

A large number of studies have drawn attention to the multiplication of the number of endometrial cancers in women under oestrogens. All these retrospective studies are concordant, but the majority can be the object of criticisms and do not necessarily carry conviction. Oestroprogestational associations seem, on the contrary, to protect, in a certain measure, against the appearance of carcinoma of the endometrium. The author concludes that, in the uncertainty, it is indubitably necessary not to establish as a principle that the menopause should be treated with oestrogens, but to give under surveillance the necessary oestrogen treatment to women who need them. One should take care to choose an oestrogen as natural as possible, and it is desirable to associate it with progesterone.