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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
06:18
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Ischemic colitis in postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy
S Zervoudis1, T Grammatopoulos, G Iatrakis
1Department of Gynaecology, Lito Hospital and ATEI Technological University of Athens, Athens, Greece. szervoud@otenet.gr
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can rarely cause ischemic colitis in postmenopausal women. Prompt treatment including antibiotics and HRT discontinuation leads to full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Estrogen and progestin influence gastrointestinal function.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been previously linked to ischemic colitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate postmenopausal women who developed ischemic colitis after HRT.
- To assess the relationship between HRT and ischemic colitis.
Main Methods:
- Study included postmenopausal women on various HRT regimens (conjugated estrogens, estradiol with progestins).
- Patients reported acute colitis symptoms months after starting HRT, with no prior bowel issues.
Main Results:
- Treatment involved fasting, parenteral nutrition, IV metronidazole, and HRT cessation.
- Full recovery was observed in all patients, with normal colonoscopies 3-4 months post-episode.
- Antibiotic therapy was continued post-discharge.
Conclusions:
- Ischemic colitis is a rare but significant complication of HRT.
- Clinicians should consider HRT as a potential cause of ischemic colitis.
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