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Ovarian Cancer: Medications to Reduce Risk

Learn about medications to reduce ovarian cancer risk. Stay up to date by signing up for our community newsletter.v

Risk Management & Treatment > Screening and Risk Reduction > By Cancer Type > Fallopian Tube and Ovarian > Medications to Reduce Risk

Overview Ovarian Cancer: Early Detection Ovarian Cancer: Medications to Reduce Risk Ovarian Cancer: Surgery to Reduce Risk

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Medications to Lower , Ovarian and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Risk

Healthy, high-risk individuals may benefit from medication to lower their risk for cancer. This approach to lowering risk is sometimes called "."

Can medications lower the risk for ovarian cancer?

Progesterone, a hormone used for birth control, has been shown to lower the risk for ovarian cancer in both high-risk and average-risk people. Some small studies suggest that progesterone can lower the risk for endometrial cancer as well.

Progesterone may be given as a pill, injection or through an Intrauterine Device (IUD). The side effects of progesterone vary widely based on how the medication is taken. These side effects may include an increased risk for breast cancer and blood clots and weight gain.

If you are interested in taking progesterone to lower your risk for ovarian cancer, you should discuss the benefits, risks and limitations with your healthcare provider.