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Buchanan C, Robinson M, Macdonald MC. Endometrial cancer rate in Hormone replacement therapy users with postmenopausal bleeding: Retrospective cohort study. Post Reprod Health 2022; 28:143-148. [PMID: 35976770 DOI: 10.1177/20533691221116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the endometrial cancer detection rate in women using hormone replacement therapy presenting with postmenopausal bleeding. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. Setting and populationRapid access gynaecology clinic at a tertiary hospital. Women aged under 60 years referred with postmenopausal bleeding. METHODS Retrospective study of referrals received between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020 including Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use and histological diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Histological diagnosis of endometrial cancer, borderline ovarian tumour or endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Chi squared test. RESULTS 1363 women were included. 214 women were using HRT when they experienced PMB and only one of these had endometrial cancer at histology (cancer detection rate 0.47%). 25 of the 1124 women who were not using HRT were diagnosed with endometrial cancer on histology (cancer detection rate 2.18%). Chi squared statistical analysis confirmed this was statistically significant (p value .0156). CONCLUSIONS The endometrial cancer detection rate in women aged under 60 years using HRT with PMB is very low. Referral on a two-week wait pathway for suspected cancer diagnosis induces stress and anxiety for the woman and may lead to more invasive initial investigation even though other diagnoses are far more likely. Women aged under 60 years with postmenopausal bleeding that have either commenced HRT or had a change to their preparation within the last 6 months should be seen on a less urgent referral pathway if necessary given the very low probability of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Buchanan
- Gynaecology Department, 7318Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Megan Robinson
- Gynaecology Department, 7318Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Madeleine C Macdonald
- Gynaecology Department, 7318Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
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Yuksel N, Evaniuk D, Huang L, Malhotra U, Blake J, Wolfman W, Fortier M. Directive clinique n o 422a : Ménopause : symptômes vasomoteurs, agents thérapeutiques d'ordonnance, médecines douces et complémentaires, nutrition et mode de vie. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2021; 43:1205-1223.e1. [PMID: 34649685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Proposer des stratégies pour améliorer les soins aux femmes ménopausées ou en périménopause d'après les plus récentes données probantes publiées. POPULATION CIBLE Femmes ménopausées ou en périménopause. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La population cible bénéficiera des plus récentes données scientifiques publiées que leur communiqueront les fournisseurs de soins de santé. Aucun coût ni préjudice ne sont associés à cette information, car les femmes seront libres de choisir parmi les différentes options thérapeutiques offertes pour la prise en charge des symptômes et morbidités associés à la ménopause, y compris l'abstention thérapeutique. DONNéES PROBANTES: Les auteurs ont interrogé les bases de données PubMed, Medline et Cochrane Library pour extraire des articles publiés entre 2002 et 2020 en utilisant des termes MeSH spécifiques à chacun des sujets abordés dans les 7 chapitres. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique d'évaluation, de développement et d'évaluation (GRADE). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et faibles). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: médecins, y compris gynécologues, obstétriciens, médecins de famille, internistes, urgentologues; infirmières, y compris infirmières autorisées et infirmières praticiennes; pharmaciens; stagiaires, y compris étudiants en médecine, résidents, moniteurs cliniques; et autres fournisseurs de soins auprès de la population cible. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.
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Yuksel N, Evaniuk D, Huang L, Malhotra U, Blake J, Wolfman W, Fortier M. Guideline No. 422a: Menopause: Vasomotor Symptoms, Prescription Therapeutic Agents, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Nutrition, and Lifestyle. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2021; 43:1188-1204.e1. [PMID: 34390867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Provide strategies for improving the care of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women based on the most recent published evidence. TARGET POPULATION Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Target population will benefit from the most recent published scientific evidence provided via the information from their health care provider. No harms or costs are involved with this information since women will have the opportunity to choose among the different therapeutic options for the management of the symptoms and morbidities associated with menopause, including the option to choose no treatment. EVIDENCE Databases consulted were PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for the years 2002-2020, and MeSH search terms were specific for each topic developed through the 7 chapters. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: physicians, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, internists, emergency medicine specialists; nurses, including registered nurses and nurse practitioners; pharmacists; medical trainees, including medical students, residents, fellows; and other providers of health care for the target population. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Lee SR, Cho MK, Cho YJ, Chun S, Hong SH, Hwang KR, Jeon GH, Joo JK, Kim SK, Lee DO, Lee DY, Lee ES, Song JY, Yi KW, Yun BH, Shin JH, Chae HD, Kim T. The 2020 Menopausal Hormone Therapy Guidelines. J Menopausal Med 2020; 26:69-98. [PMID: 32893509 PMCID: PMC7475284 DOI: 10.6118/jmm.20000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sa Ra Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon Kyoung Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Yeon Jean Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dong-A University Medical Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Sungwook Chun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Seung Hwa Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Kyu Ri Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyun Ho Jeon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Jong Kil Joo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Dong Ock Lee
- Center for Gynecologic Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Dong Yun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Sil Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yen Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyong Wook Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Hyon Yun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Ho Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Dong Chae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Tak Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Sturdee DW, Archer DF, Rakov V, Lang E, on behalf of the CHOICE Study Inves. Ultra-low-dose continuous combined estradiol and norethisterone acetate: improved bleeding profile in postmenopausal women. Climacteric 2009; 11:63-73. [DOI: 10.1080/13697130701852390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Hickey M, Ambekar M. Abnormal bleeding in postmenopausal hormone users—What do we know today? Maturitas 2009; 63:45-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Hickey M, Doherty DA, Fraser IS, Sloboda DM, Salamonsen LA. Why does menopausal hormone therapy lead to irregular uterine bleeding? Changes to endometrial blood vessels. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:912-8. [PMID: 18216041 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dem418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal bleeding is common in hormone therapy (HT) users. We aimed to determine how HT alters endometrial blood vessels and stromal factors known to regulate vascular growth and integrity. METHODS Prospective observational study of 165 post-menopausal women in Western Australia. The following were measured in endometrial biopsies: vascular density (vessels/mm(2)), total vessel area (total area enclosed by peripheral vascular immunostaining for perivascular pericytes in mm(2)), total luminal area (mm(2)) and vessel wall area (total vessel area minus luminal area), stromal expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -1, -3, -9 and -14, their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) -1-4 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Total vessel area was greater during bleeding compared with HT users with no bleeding (P = 0.028) or with a prior irregular bleeding (P = 0.039). Total vessel area was greater in non-HT users compared with HT users with no bleeding (P = 0.021). In HT users, vessel luminal area was greater during bleeding compared with HT users with no bleeding (P = 0.030) and vessel wall area was also increased (P = 0.025). During bleeding there was an increase in stromal TIMP-2 staining (P = 0.044). No significant changes in endometrial MMP or VEGF were seen. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal bleeding in HT users is associated with changes in endometrial vessel size and in stromal expression of factors known to regulate vascular growth and integrity. These changes may contribute to abnormal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hickey
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia 6008, Australia.
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Hickey M, Crewe J, Mahoney LA, Doherty DA, Fraser IS, Salamonsen LA. Mechanisms of irregular bleeding with hormone therapy: the role of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2006; 91:3189-98. [PMID: 16684831 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Irregular bleeding is common in users of combined hormone therapy (HT) and often leads to invasive and expensive investigations to exclude underlying pathology. The mechanisms of HT-related bleeding are poorly understood. Endometrial matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are believed to regulate bleeding during the normal menstrual cycle and are known to be altered in breakthrough bleeding with progestogen-only contraception. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine how HT exposure alters endometrial production of MMP-1, -3, -9, and -14 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 and to determine the relationship between MMP and TIMP production and bleeding patterns in HT users. Endometrial leukocytes regulating MMP production and activation were also assessed. DESIGN A prospective observational study was conducted between 2003 and 2005. SETTING AND PATIENTS The study occurred at a tertiary referral menopause clinic at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Western Australia, and included 25 postmenopausal women not taking HT and 73 women taking combined HT. INTERVENTIONS Endometrium was obtained during and outside bleeding episodes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assessed production of MMP-1, -3, -9, and -14 and their tissue inhibitors TIMP-1, -2, -3, and -4 and their relationship to bleeding patterns in HT users. RESULTS All MMPs studied, with the exception of MMP-9, were expressed at low levels in postmenopausal endometrium. Increases in both MMP-3 and -9 localization were seen in association with irregular bleeding, but these did not reach statistical significance. Endometrial production of TIMP-1 was significantly increased in association with bleeding. Endometrial leukocytes were not related to bleeding, with the exception of uterine natural killer cells, which were significantly increased during bleeding, as previously published. CONCLUSIONS Irregular bleeding in HT users is associated with a distinct pattern of MMP and TIMP production that differs from that seen in normal menstrual bleeding and from that seen in contraceptive-related breakthrough bleeding. This suggests that the endometrial balance between MMP and TIMP contributes to vascular breakdown with HT but by a different mechanism than that seen in normal menstruation or in breakthrough bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hickey
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia 6008.
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Di Carlo C, Sammartino A, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Tommaselli GA, Guida M, Mandato VD, D'Elia A, Nappi C. Bleeding patterns during continuous estradiol with different sequential progestogens therapy. Menopause 2005; 12:520-5. [PMID: 16145305 DOI: 10.1097/01.gme.0000178450.29377.c9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effects on monthly bleeding of four different progestogens administered in association with transdermal estradiol in a continuous sequential estrogen-progestin therapy (CS-EPT). DESIGN : This prospective, open, randomized, clinical trial included 100 healthy postmenopausal women. Patients were randomized into four treatment groups, each consisting of 25 women. Treatment consisted of 50 mug/day transdermal 17beta-estradiol for all women combined to receive four different progestogens (group A: medroxyprogesterone acetate, 10 mg/day; group B: nomegestrol acetate, 5 mg/day; group C: dydrogesterone, 10 mg/day; group D: micronized progesterone, 200 mg/day) per os from the 14th to 25th day of each 28-day cycle. The duration of treatment was 12 cycles. Patients were asked to record in a daily diary the occurrence of any vaginal bleeding, the days of application of each patch, the days of assumption of the different progestogens, and the exact moment of bleeding onset. RESULTS : A total of 937 cycles could be evaluated. In 690 cycles (73.6%), regular progestogen-related bleeding was reported. Among the other cycles, we observed 73 episodes of amenorrhea (7.8%, each one lasting one cycle), 78 episodes of irregular bleeding (8.3%), and 96 episodes of spotting (10.2%). Patients receiving nomegestrol acetate had a significantly higher incidence of regular progestogen-associated bleeding in comparison with those receiving medroxyprogesterone acetate or natural progesterone, and patients receiving dydrogesterone had a significantly higher incidence of regular progestogen-associated bleeding in comparison with those receiving natural progesterone. CONCLUSION : Our data suggest that CS-EPT generally leads to regular withdrawal bleeding in women without uterine pathology. Micronized progesterone seems to induce more irregular bleeding episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Di Carlo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Girling JE, Heryanto B, Patel N, Rogers PAW. Effect of long-term progestin treatment on endometrial vasculature in normal cycling mice. Contraception 2004; 70:343-50. [PMID: 15451340 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2004.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2004] [Revised: 03/24/2004] [Accepted: 04/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a mouse model to investigate the effects of long-term progestin-only exposure on endometrial vascular structure. Normal cycling mice received Silastic implants containing either medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or levonorgestrel (LNG) and were dissected after 1, 3 or 6 weeks. Endometrial vascular density increased significantly within 1 week of MPA (482 +/- 40.2 vessels/mm2) or LNG (440 +/- 26.5 vessels/mm2) treatment compared with normal cycling mice (293 +/- 10.5 vessels/mm2). MPA increased stromal cell density within 1 week of treatment (13813 +/- 1450 cells/mm2) compared with normal cycling mice (8256 +/- 928 cells/mm2). However, although LNG significantly increased stromal cell density overall, the increase did not reach significance within the individual weeks examined. There was no significant change in the ratio of vascular to stromal cell density among treated and normal cycling mice. Epithelial cell height significantly decreased within 1 week of LNG (17.6 +/- 1.3 microm) treatment compared with normal cycling mice (23.5 +/- 1.3 microm); epithelial cell height also decreased within 1 week of MPA treatment (16.6 +/- 2.1 microm), although this did not reach statistical significance. VEGF immunostaining increased significantly in luminal epithelium after MPA or LNG treatment, and in glandular epithelium after LNG treatment. These observations are similar to those reported in human endometrium, suggesting that this mouse model may facilitate further investigations into breakthrough bleeding due to long-term progestin use.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Girling
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia 3168.
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McGavigan CJ, Dockery P, Metaxa-Mariatou V, Campbell D, Stewart CJR, Cameron IT, Campbell S. Hormonally mediated disturbance of angiogenesis in the human endometrium after exposure to intrauterine levonorgestrel. Hum Reprod 2003; 18:77-84. [PMID: 12525444 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deg023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a contraceptive device that is used for treatment of menorrhagia. The system induces inter-menstrual bleeding within the first few months after insertion. We hypothesized that this bleeding might be associated with a change in vascular development. METHODS A randomized, controlled study was undertaken on 48 women. RESULTS Hysterectomy specimens were obtained and immunocytochemistry was carried out with antibodies to CD31, alpha-smooth muscle actin and myosin. Stereological measurement of blood vessels was also undertaken. Most vessels appeared normal, including the arterioles. Large thin-walled vessels were present in the superficial endometrium of the treated group but were almost completely absent in the controls. The distribution of cytoskeletal markers revealed well-formed basal arterioles with more widespread expression in the superficial stroma than was found in untreated tissue. The volume fraction of blood vessels (P = 0.0001), the number of vessel cross-sections per unit area (P = 0.0003) and the cross-sectional diameters of the largest vascular lumens (P = 0.0001) were significantly increased following treatment with LNG-IUS. However, there was no difference in the median values of vessel diameter or the vascular surface density. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the LNG has a localized effect on some vessels within the superficial endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jay McGavigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran Samsioe
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, Lund University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden.
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Shau WY, Hsieh CC, Hsieh TT, Hung TH, Huang KE. Factors associated with endometrial bleeding in continuous hormone replacement therapy. Menopause 2002; 9:188-94. [PMID: 11973442 DOI: 10.1097/00042192-200205000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify clinical and laboratory parameters associated with the occurrence of endometrial bleeding within the first 6 months of treatment in postmenopausal women taking continuous hormone replacement therapy. DESIGN We performed a prospective study of 55 postmenopausal women who had amenorrhea for at least 12 months before baseline screening and were taking 0.625 mg conjugated estrogen and 5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate daily on a continuous basis. Postmenopausal duration was defined as the interval, in months, between the last menstruation and the commencement of treatment. All subjects were instructed to monitor bleeding episodes in a diary and were followed up monthly for at least 12 months. RESULTS Thirty-four women (62%) experienced bleeding within the first 6 months of treatment. Using a multivariate approach, a woman with a postmenopausal duration of 24 months or less had a relative risk of 8.2 (95% confidence limits: 1.3, 53.1) of bleeding, as compared with those with a postmenopausal duration of more than 24 months. Furthermore, pretreatment endometrial thickness greater than 5 mm (p < 0.05) and serum estradiol levels greater than 25 pg/mL (p < 0.01) were noted to be significantly correlated with the occurrence of bleeding in women with a postmenopausal duration of more than 24 months. CONCLUSIONS Women with a postmenopausal duration of 24 months or less, a pretreatment endometrial thickness greater than 5 mm, and serum estradiol level greater than 25 pg/mL are at risk to have endometrial bleeding within the first 6 months of continuous hormone replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yi Shau
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hickey M, Higham J, Sullivan M, Miles L, Fraser IS. Endometrial bleeding in hormone replacement therapy users: preliminary findings regarding the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs. Fertil Steril 2001; 75:288-96. [PMID: 11172829 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(00)01690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and the tissue inhibitor of MMPs, TIMP-1, in the endometrium of postmenopausal and perimenopausal women. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING United Kingdom teaching hospital. PATIENT(S) Thirty-one perimenopausal and postmenopausal HRT recipients, with a control group of eight postmenopausal women not undergoing HRT. INTERVENTION(S) Prospective record of bleeding patterns and endometrial biopsy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Endometrial histology, bleeding patterns, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 expression. RESULT(S) MMP-9 and TIMP-1 are expressed in benign postmenopausal endometrium. Expression of both molecules is reduced in HRT recipients compared with non-HRT recipients. CONCLUSION(S) Exposure to HRT appears to alter endometrial expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and also the local balance between these molecules. This alteration may promote breakdown of the endometrial extracellular matrix and blood vessels and hence bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Mary's, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, England, UK.
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