Endometrial cytology during menstrual cycle, menopause and progestinic treatment.

An investigation was conducted using endometrial smears for the purpose of cyto-functional evaluation. 72 cytological smears of the human normal endometrium were taken--23 during the proliferative phase 17 during the secretory phase 21 during menopause and 11 during estro-progestinic treatment. The series of interpretive elements were easily and readily identifiable by microscope. This type of cytological examination is easily performed nontraumatic and almost painless; it can even be performed several times during 1 menstrual cycle. The endometrial smear can be collected by aspiration with a cannula by abrasion of the endometrial surface with a brushing-type tool or by washing the uterine cavity under negative pressure. Cytologic findings during each phase of the menstrual/reproductive cycle are summarized.