Effects of Estrogens and Progestins on the Biochemistry and Morphology of the Postmenopausal Endometrium

Abstract

To study the effects of exogenous estrogens on the postmenopausal endometrium, and to determine the time course and minimum dosage of added progestins necessary to oppose estrogen stimulation, we obtained endometrial specimens from symptomatic postmenopausal women being treated with various preparations of estrogens and progestins. Morphologic changes were assessed with light and electron microscopy, and biochemical effects through measurement of DNA synthesis, estradiol and progesterone receptors, and isocitric and estradiol dehydrogenase activity. For comparison, identical studies were carried out on specimens from premenopausal women in the proliferative and secretory phases of their cycle.