THE ENDOMETRIAL DEFICIENT SECRETORY PHASE

The deficient secretory phase is a functional abnormality of the endom etrium that has hitherto been poorly recognized. Endometrial curetting s from 34 cases were examined in detail by histology. We also performe d morphometric analyses of epithelial cell nuclei and assessed the oes trogen and progesterone receptor status of these cases compared with c ontrols. Clinicopathological correlations were examined. The cases sho wing the deficient secretory phase were characterized histologically b y the presence of elongated, hyperchromatic glandular cell nuclei, dim inished or no secretory activity in the second half of the menstrual c ycle and poorly developed stroma. Morphometry confirmed that the nucle i were different in shape from those seen at any time during the norma l menstrual cycle and from basal endometrium. Nuclear expression of oe strogen and progesterone receptors in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embe dded sections was reduced. It is apparent from this study that the end ometrial appearances described represent a definable condition that ma y be linked to menstrual irregularities and, in some circumstances, in fertility; it should be more widely recognized.