Women Taking HRT May Have Colon Polyps Recur

Even though estrogen may protect against the formation of colon polyps, women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be at risk for developing new colon polyps after they have already had some removed, according to researchers at the National Cancer Institute.

Women over the age of 62 may be less likely to develop new polyps if they are taking HRT, according to the study presented to the American Association for Cancer Research.

Researchers are unclear as to why women under age 62 in the study had an increased risk of recurrence. The study looked at over 600 women, ranging in age from 36 to 86, who already had colon polyps removed. Of these women, 33 percent had a recurrent polyp and 40 percent said they were taking either estrogen alone or some combination of estrogen and progestin for menopausal symptoms.

Other sources: Reuters