Uterine endometrium

Estrogens stimulate cellular proliferation, induce RNA and protein synthesis of uterine endometrium and the fibrous connective tissue framework for ovaries, and increase the size of the cells. This effect leads to the growth and regeneration of the endometrial layer and spinal arterioles, and increase in the number and size of endometrial glands. Under the influence of estrogen, vaginal mucosa becomes thicker, as cervical mucus becomes thinner (85,86). 

Luteolysis The structural and functional degradation of the corpus luteum that occurs at the end of the luteal phase in the absence of pregnancy caused by the hormones prostaglandin-2(X and oxytocin. Communication between the corpus luteum and uterine endometrium is necessary for luteolysis. 

Delmas PD, Bjarnason NH, Mitlak BH, Ravoux AC, Shah AS, Huster WJ, Draper M, Christiansen C (1997) Effects of raloxifene on bone mineral density, serum cholesterol concentrations, and uterine endometrium in postmenopausal women. N Engl J Med 337 1641-1647... 

Voipio SK, Komi J, Kangas L, Halonen K, DeGregorio MW, Erkkola RU (2002) Effects of ospemifene (FC-1271a) on uterine endometrium, vaginal maturation index, and hormonal status in healthy postmenopausal women. Maturitas 43(3) 207-214... 

Progesterone derives from the ovary (mainly from the corpus luteum) and from the placenta and is involved in uterine endometrium differentiation for embryo implantation,... 

Surface Properties of lUDs. Most lUDs currently in use cause only minimum changes in the uterine endometrium (19). Excessive menstrual bleeding, intermenstrual spotting, and bleeding between menstrual periods have been noted as sources of annoyance, and they constitute a major reason for removal of lUDs. Such bleeding is probably secondary to local hyperemia, edema, pressure necrosis, and sometimes endometritis (20). After lUDs are inserted into the uterus, some patients complain of pain and low backache, but pain is a minor reason for discontinuing intrauterine contraception. 

Estradiol acts on the uterine endometrium, causing it to thicken and vascularize in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg. 

Fukuchi T, Sakamoto M, Tsuda H, et al. Beta-catenin mutation in carcinoma of the uterine endometrium. Cancer Res. 1998 58 3526-3528. 

Preparation of uterine endometrium for implantation of the fertilized ovum. 

---