ESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE ENDOMETRIAL RECEPTORS AND BODY-FAT DISTRIBUTION IN OBESE WOMEN

The content of endometrial receptors for estradiol (ER) and progestero ne (PR) was determined in three groups (10 women each) classified with respect to body fat distribution: (1) normal, nonobese; (2) lower bod y segment obesity, and (3) upper body segment obesity. The ER in group 3 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of group 1. As rega rds PR, no statistical differences were found among the three groups. These findings demonstrate different endometrial ER concentrations in obese women according to body fat distribution, greater in upper segme nt obesity. Probably the lack of progesterone as well as other factors in the endocrine milieu of these patients may determine the differenc es found; therefore, future research on this matter should be carried out.