Influence of androgen deficiency on the endometrium structure in women of reproductive age

Abstract

Aim — to identify the relationship between androgen deficiency and the development of endometrial hypoplasia in women of reproductive age, to develop an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of this category of women. Materials and methods. Examination of patients with androgen deficiency revealed 48 patients with endometrial hypoplasia based on the ultrasound markers. After examination for CD138 and detection of chronic endometritis during the study, 9 patients were excluded. At the second stage, an immunohistochemical examination was performed for the expression of receptors for estrogen, progesterone and androgens. According to the results, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the first group (24 patients) with a high level of expression of androgen receptors and the second group (15 patients) with a low level of expression of androgen receptors. Theexpressionof receptors to estrogens and progesterone was on medium level and comparative in both groups. Both groups of patients underwent hormonal therapy for 3 months: estradiol valerate 1 g per day in a continuous mode and 200 mg of micronized progesterone from the sixteenth to twenty-fifth days of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, patients of the first group received dehydro­epian­drosterone(DHEA)in a dose of 25 mg per day continuously in the form sublingual spray. Results. According to the data of ultrasound examination in the first group of patients, the endometrium corresponded to normal parameters both during treatment and 1 and 3 months after stopping treatment. At the same time, in the second group of patients, there was an improvement in the thickness (more than 7 mm) and structure of the endometrium during treatment and the absence of these effects after the termination of hormonal therapy. Considering the recommendations of the Association of Endocrinologists on the superiority of non-tablet forms of androgen preparations in the treatment of androgen deficiency and having a positive and long-term effect when taking sublingual DHEA, it is possible to recommend adding the above form of DHEA to systemic therapy of endometrial hypoplasia against the background of androgen deficiency. Conclusions. Women with androgen deficiency are more likely to have concomitant endometrial hypoplasia. Immunohistochemical examination of the endometrium of women of reproductive age with androgen deficiency in 24 patients (61.5 %) revealed a high level of expression of androgen receptors. The effectiveness of therapy for endometrial hypoplasia in women with androgen deficiency with addition of androgens to the standard regimens is more effective and has a long-lasting effect. The combination of estrogen-gestagenic therapy and androgens has a positive effect on the gestational potential of the endometrium in women of reproductive age with androgen deficiency.