Endometrial expression of steroid receptors in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy users: Relationship to bleeding patterns

Abstract

Background: Mechanisms of menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-related bleeding, undoubtedly mediated through endometrial steroid receptors, are poorly understood. We aimed to determine the steroid receptor expression in HRT-exposed endometrium in relation to disturbances of bleeding patterns. Methods: Prospective observational study in a tertiary referral menopause clinic in Western Australia. Thirty-eight outpatient endometrial biopsies (seven from women not on HRT, 31 from HRT users) were collected from 21 postmenopausal women during and outside bleeding episodes. Eleven women provided multiple biopsies. We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of endometrial glandular, stroma..