Multiple endometrial polyps in patient undergoing long-term gestagen therapy

Abstract

Endometrial polyps represent a limited focal, circumscribed overgrowth of the endometrium. Their aetiopathogenesis has not been completely explained yet. They are often found in perimenopausal women; during the reproductive period they are less common. We present the case of a 32-year-old patient, who came for a check-up to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic "Narodni Front" because of irregular bleeding. The patient was subjected to hormonal linestrenol therapy, which she had administered herself, without further consultations with her gynecologist, during the previous 10 years. Complete diagnostic examinations were performed. Contrast sonohysterography enabled the visualization of multiple polyps inside the uterine cavity, which were confirmed by histopathological analysis of material obtained via explorative curettage. Histopathological material contained over 30 endometrial polyps. A control check-up after one month, as well as subsequent quarterly check-ups, resulted in normal findings. Analysis of the described case has indicated that the loss of sensitivity of progesterone receptors in endometrial cells is possible if there is a continuous presence of progesterone agonists in circulation, as is true of linestrenol in this case. The loss of sensitivity of progesterone receptors upsets normal hormonal activity during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, leading to copious, irregular bleeding. These changes may, however, have even deeper effects. More recent research shows that, if the agent causing the loss of sensitivity of the receptors is present in circulation over a longer time period, changes may also appear at the DNA molecular level, i.e. in the cell genome itself. This, in turn, may lead to the beginning of the process of oncogenesis and the formation of timorous tissue.

Keywords

• endometrial polyp
• oncogenesis
• progesterone receptors