Uterus progestin effects

Progesterone induces characteristic morphological changes of the endometrium after estrogen-induced proliferation of this tissue. This effect is the basis of the endometrium transformation assay, in which immature rabbits are primed with estradiol for several days and are subsequently treated with a progestin, either by oral application or by subcutaneous injection. The proliferating response of the uterus is examined by histological analysis and quantitated with the McPhail index on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 as maximal effect. The assay is very sensitive and specific, even if the rabbit expresses only the B isoform of PR. 

Initiated at the onset of menopause, this therapy also has favorable effects on serum cholesterol levels (reduces low-density lipoprotein and elevates high-density lipoprotein levels). Women taking ERT have found relief from hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and urinary stress incontinence (21). It is recommended that the estrogen be combined with a progestin for those women with an intact uterus so as to decrease the risk of... 

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