Methods of Obtaining, Preparing, and Interpreting the Endometrium

Abstract

The diagnosis of changes in endometrium obtained by curettage depends not only on a thorough microscopic examination of the histological preparations; the diagnosis actually starts in the clinic. The close interplay between structure and function that is so apparent in the human endometrium requires we ask about or determine what the patient’s hormonal state is. We need to know about her menstrual history, previous pregnancies, basal temperature, and any hormones she may have received. What we learn will help us in evaluating the microscopic sections and in detecting abnormal changes.