A Correlation of the Ovarian and Endometrial Histology, Vaginal Epithelium, Gonadotrophic Hormonal Excretion and the Day of the Menstrual Cycle in 28 Women1

Abstract

In an attempt to ascertain the most reliable clinical criterion of the histo-logical state of the ovaries, a study of the endometrial histology, vaginal smears, and gonadotrophic hormone excretion was made in 28 [female][female] upon whom bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy were performed. The vaginal smears and the day of the menstrual cycle were found to be unreliable indices of the state of the ovaries. From the titer of urinary gonadotrophins, cases with non-functioning ovaries could be accurately differentiated from those with functioning ovaries but the stage of the ovarian cycle and the time of ovulation could not be predicted. The best single clinical criterion for judging the state of the ovaries proved to be the endometrial histology. A correlation between the histological state of the ovaries and uterus was obtained in all but four cases, who showed cystic ovaries. Low titers of gonadotrophins were associated with cystic ovaries.