Abstract
BACKGROUND: Endometrioid carcinoma is a hormone-dependent malignancy of the uterus. Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is considered one of the signs of this type of cancer, which frequently occurs among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. AUB is a frequent and complex gynecological complaint. This symptom is important because it may indicate major problems in the lining of the uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, 87 women experiencing AUB were enrolled. Thirteen of these were postmenopausal women, and 74 others were premenopausal. Thus, full assessments were performed, including histopathology of endometrial curettage specimens (scrapings from the uterine cavity), hormonal profiling of some cases, and consideration of clinical risk factors such as age, body mass index, reproductive history, and menopausal status. RESULTS: Most of the participants were overweight women with an average age of approximately 35 years. A very significant negative correlation was established between endometrial thickness and prolactin, with r = -0.4 and P = 0.004. Also, a significant association was detected between endometrial thickness and LH/FSH ratios (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The data clearly indicate that both age and hormonal status play a significant role in the development of endometrial abnormalities (factors that should not be overlooked when assessing AUB). Clinicians must take a holistic view of every patient, integrating clinical presentation with the underlying variables. Histopathological examination is necessary to ascertain a valid diagnosis and to establish an efficient management protocol.