Transvaginal ultrasonography and the assessment of luteal phase endometrium

Article Abstract:

Transvaginal ultrasonography is not a replacement for endometrial biopsy in the determination of luteal phase defects. The endometrium is the membrane lining the uterus. Its thickness and other characteristics are affected by the secretion of hormones during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Abnormalities in the luteal phase may prevent embryos from being implanted and lead to infertility. Ultrasounds followed by endometrial biopsies were done on 50 women being treated for infertility. Photographs from the ultrasounds were assessed by a practitioner who was unaware of when during the menstrual cycle the images had been taken. Blood samples were taken from the women to measure hormone levels. A higher grade pattern in the ultrasound was associated with a normal endometrial biopsy. However, there was no significant association between normal or abnormal biopsies and endometrial thickness.

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Randomized controlled trial of the management of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual mastalgia using luteal phase-only danazol

Article Abstract:

The drug danazol appears to be effective in treating painful breasts during the premenstrual phase. Researchers randomly assigned 100 women referred to a premenstrual syndrome clinic to take danazol or a placebo once a day from day 14 to day 28 of their period. Although the drug had no effect on most symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, it significantly alleviated breast pain in the women who took it. The drug caused few side effects. However, danazol mimics the action of male hormones, so long term use could have adverse effects.

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Abnormalities detected on transvaginal ultrasonography in tamoxifen-treated postmenopausal breast cancer patients may represent endometrial cystic atrophy

Article Abstract:

Tamoxifen may cause thickening of the endometrium as well as other endometrial disorders but this is not necessarily a sign of cancer. Researchers took biopsies of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus, in 35 postmenopausal women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer. All the women had a thickened endometrium, which is usually considered an abnormal feature. Twenty-three women had endometrial polyps and 10 had cystic atrophy. Both of these conditions are relatively benign. No case of endometrial cancer was detected.

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