ENDOMETRIAL CHANGES ACCORDING TO HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY SCHEDULE

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess differences in endo metrial thickness, ultrasonographic characteristics, and histological and bleeding patterns in two groups of women according to the type and length of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) administered. Design: Twe nty-seven women were divided into two groups. Group I received oral co njugated estrogens 0.625 mg/day for 21 days, plus chlormadinone 2 mg t he last 12 days, for a median length of 6.5 months' time. Group II rec eived oral conjugated estrogens 0.625 mg/day plus chlormadinone 1 mg/d ay, both continuous and uninterrupted (n = 13), for a median length of 3 months' time. Using transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial thickness, refringence, and the presence of liquid in the uterine cavity were an alyzed. An endometrial biopsy was performed the same day and the histo logical and bleeding patterns were described. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Results of these tests showed that liquid in the uterine cavity and secretory endometrium were frequently found in those with sequential schedule (Group I); regular uterine bl eeding was also frequent in this group. Negative correlation coefficie nts were found in this group between duration of HRT and endometrial t hickness and uterine bleeding patterns, and in the continuous schedule group, between the duration of HRT and uterine bleeding pattern. Conc lusions: We conclude that endometrial and ultrasonographic changes dep end on the type of HRT schedule and the duration of therapy. (C) 1998, The North American Menopause Society.