A method for preventing the adverse effects which may he associated with the administration of at least one hormone to a subject without detectable cancer comprising administering to such subject at least one carotenoid. The method of the instant invention can be utilized to prevent a variety of adverse effects associated with the administration of hormones, including for example, an increased risk for developing cancer. The instantly claimed method prevents such adverse effects without inhibiting the beneficial activity of the hormone. Further provided by the present invention are compositions which are useful for preventing the adverse effects associated with the administration of hormones. The compositions of the instant invention may be in unit dosage form suitable for daily administration to a human.
