Estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometriosis.

Abstract

This study aims to identify the presence of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors in endometriosis implants and to determine whether hormone treatment influences the receptors in these implants. Cross-sectional study with historical data collection. The analysis was conducted on 156 endometriosis implants from 67 patients undergoing endometriosis laparoscopy. The patients were divided into two groups: one group underwent hormone treatment (N.=20) and another group did not receive hormone treatment (N.=47) prior to surgery. Women of reproductive age with clinical pain and/or infertility who were diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery were included. The specimens were analyzed after the estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors underwent immunohistochemistry. All analyzed topographies presented estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors. Progesterone hormone receptor expression was considerably superior to estrogen receptor expression (P<0.001). Hormone receptors are present in endometriosis implants on the ovarian fossae, uterosacral ligaments, sac fundus, and ovaries. Progesterone receptors predominate in implants, regardless of hormonal treatment.