Microvascular density in conditions of endometrial atrophy

Abstract

Irregular menstrual bleeding in users of hormonal contraception represents the single major reason for discontinuation of these contraceptive methods. The mechanisms which underlie these bleeding disturbances are poorly understood, but appear to be associated with changes in the endometrial microvasculature following abnormal patterns of sex steroid exposure. Endometrial microvascular density is known to be increased in users of the low-dose levonorgestrel contraceptive implant, Norplant®. This study explores microvascular density in other conditions of spontaneous (post-menopausal) and induced (danazol and goserelin) endometrial atrophy. Endometrial biopsies were fixed, paraffin-embedded an..