Life-style and metformin for the prevention of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2013 Feb;29(2):119-24. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2012.706671. Epub 2012 Sep 5.

Abstract

In western women, the endometrium is frequently exposed, even after menopause, to the endogenous hormonal stimulation. Such a stimulation increases the risk of pathologic conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and type I (endometrioid) endometrial adenocarcinoma. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance and type II diabetes promote the endometrial stimulation, and are recognized risk factors for endometrial cancer. Furthermore, chronic hyperinsulinemia linked both to obesity and metabolic syndrome influences endometrial proliferation through direct and indirect actions. Intentional weight loss, calorie restriction and physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of the endometrial pathology. Biological mechanisms include reduction in insulin and sex steroid hormone levels. In addition to life-style modifications, the antidiabetic metformin may be proposed as preventive agent. Metformin reduces the metabolic syndrome, lowers insulin and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women, and it is a potent inhibitor of endometrial cancer cell proliferation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Endometrioid / prevention & control
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Endometrium / drug effects*
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Life Style*
  • Metformin / therapeutic use*
  • Postmenopause*
  • Protective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Uterine Diseases / epidemiology
  • Uterine Diseases / pathology
  • Uterine Diseases / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Protective Agents
  • Metformin