FUTURE-DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH ON ENDOMETRIAL BLEEDING

Disturbances in endometrial bleeding remain a major problem, and the p rimary reason for discontinuation of progestin-only methods of contrac eption. However, some interesting leads were uncovered in the course o f this meeting on 'Current research on progestin-only contraceptives a nd endometrial bleeding', and a number of suggestions made about techn iques and research topics. This paper attempts to summarize these sugg estions, with a view to stimulating further research. Topics identifie d included the development of objective tests for vessel fragility, id entification and properties of vessels likely to bleed, the location o f bleeding vessels, the basis of the increased microvascular density, the integrity of the surface epithelium, the state of the stroma, the function of steroid receptors, and the properties of progestins and oe strogens. Several animal models are discussed, including monkeys, SCID mice and steroid-treated ovariectomized mice, and potential therapeut ic agents suitable for human use are identified.