Pressure-controlled hysteroscopy during menstruation.
OBJECTIVE
To document the hysteroscopic appearance of the endometrium at various stages of menstrual shedding and regeneration.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Fourteen women at various stages of the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle who had not received hormonal therapy during the previous 2 months and who had regular menstrual cycles of 27 to 30 days.


METHODS
Twin-channel continuous flow hysteroscopy and careful control of intrauterine pressure.


RESULTS
Pressure-controlled hysteroscopy enables a safe and clear view of the endometrium at every stage of the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle. Menstruation involves piecemeal shedding and concurrent regeneration in adjacent areas. It begins with subepithelial hemorrhage, followed by linear splitting of the surface epithelium and superficial functionalis. Islands of such superficial endometrium are progressively undermined and break free from the underlying tissues. This exposes a mesh of "skeletonized" tubules composed of both glandular stumps and vascular elements. These form the scaffolding for the subsequent reepithelialization and are soon buried beneath a newly formed layer of epithelium and stroma.


CONCLUSIONS
Pressure-controlled hysteroscopy enables visualization of the surface appearance of menstrual shedding and regeneration. The process is piecemeal, with zones of rapid shedding and regeneration occurring concurrently over a number of days.
Garry
Ray
R
University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. raygarry@btinternet.com
D004717:Endometrium / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies