Although the physiology of the menstrual cycle appears clear and easily explained by a balance in the concentration of various sex steroid hormones, numerous details of its mechanism are still poorly understood and little is known about the relationship among clinical events, plasma hormone concentrations, molecular impacts on target tissues and their regulation. In the following chapters, the authors have attempted to establish a correlation between endometrial histology and well-understood physiologic events of the menstrual cycle. They have provided up-to-date information on the effects of various hormones and combinations of hormones on the endometrium. The interdependence of endometrial morphology, molecular biology, endocrinology and physiology, provides grounds for a better understanding of the complex mechanism of the menstrual cycle, and sheds some light on its pathophysiology. Such an approach adds ariother dimension to interpretation of many menstrual abnormalities and numerous aspects of infertility in women with normal physiognomies and apparently regular menstrual cycles. The pathologist must be aware of these new concepts since a knowledge of functional changes reflected in hormone serum levels and sex steroid receptor concentrations allows a mare detailed analysis and a better interpretation of the structural features of the endometrium. This information placed in the proper clinical context can help the gynecologist provide optimal therapy. The reader will find a valuable reference for a synthesis of clinical, morphological, and biochemical data related to the menstrual cycle and its aberrations. Front Matter....Pages i-viii Menstrual Cycle: Some Uncertain Aspects....Pages 1-13 Surface Changes of the Luminal Uterine Epithelium during the Human Menstrual Cycle: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study....Pages 15-29 Analysis of Isolated and Combined Actions of Ovarian Steroids on the Endometrium....Pages 31-42 Estradiol and Progesterone Receptors in Human Endometrium....Pages 43-61 Embryo-Endometrial Relationships during Implantation....Pages 63-79 Biochemical Evaluation of Corpus Luteum Function....Pages 81-106 Evaluation of Ovarian Disturbances by Endometrial Biopsy....Pages 107-121 Luteal Insufficiency: Endometrial and Endocrine Correlates....Pages 123-143 Functional Aspects of Endometrial Hyperplasia and Carcinoma....Pages 145-160 Back Matter....Pages 161-167
