[The examination of vaginal discharge]

Discusses basic principles of hormonal cytodiagnosis. Emphasizes the role of the hypothalamohypophyseal system in regulation of sexual gland function and ovarian effect on vaginal epithelium maturation in various phases of the menstrual cycle. Shows potentialities of hormonal profile assessment on the basis of various indices and the total cytologic picture. Characterizes the mechanisms that provide epithelial resistance to pathogenic factors. Pays special attention to cellular composition of smears in inflammatory diseases induced by pathogenic fungi, protozoa, bacteria, viruses.