Which hormone is included in combined MHT to reduce uterine cancer risk?

• A. Estrogen
• B. Progesterone (progestin)
• C. Testosterone
• D. Thyroxine

Answer: (B)

In combined menopausal hormone therapy for women who still have a uterus, estrogen is paired with a progestin to protect the uterine lining. Estrogen stimulates the endometrium, and without a counteracting hormone, long-term estrogen exposure raises the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The progestin counteracts this by promoting secretory transformation and regular shedding of the endometrium, thereby reducing cancer risk. That protective role is why progesterone (progestin) is the correct choice. Estrogen alone would not reduce risk and could increase it; testosterone and thyroxine do not address endometrial cancer risk in this context.