My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Cancer Health Center

Cancer Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Cancer Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer - Cause

The main cause of most type I endometrial cancer is too much of the hormone estrogen compared to the body's progesterone level.

Estrogen makes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow thicker. Progesterone "opposes" estrogen-your progesterone level goes up then drops at the end of each menstrual cycle, making the thick endometrium layer shed away. This is what you know as menstrual bleeding.

Recommended Related to Cancer

General Information About Breast Cancer Treatment and Pregnancy

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women, occurring in about 1 in 3,000 pregnant women. The average patient is between 32 to 38 years of age and, with many women choosing to delay childbearing, it is likely that the incidence of breast cancer during pregnancy will increase. Breast cancer pathology is similar in age-matched pregnant and nonpregnant women. Hormone receptor assays are usually negative in pregnant breast cancer patients, but this may be the result...

Read the General Information About Breast Cancer Treatment and Pregnancy article > >

When there is too much estrogen in the body, progesterone can't do its job. The endometrium gets thicker and thicker. Over time, the endometrium cells can become cancerous.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 29, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.