What causes polyps and how common are they?
Although the exact cause of uterine polyps is unknown, hormonal factors appear to play a role. Uterine polyps are estrogen-sensitive, meaning they respond to hormones in the same way that the lining of your uterus (endometrium) does, growing in response to circulating estrogen.
There is no specific method for preventing uterine polyps, although keeping yourself at a healthy weight, with normal blood pressure readings is the best way to lessen your risk factors.
There are factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing polyps, including women who:
- Are age 40 to 50
- Are pre- or peri-menopausal
- Are obese
- Take tamoxifen, a drug therapy for breast cancer
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have cervical polyps
Do you have questions for your doctors? Here are some conversation starters.
