[A study on the endometrial movement and serum hormonal level in connection with uterine contraction]

By means of transvaginal ultrasonography, endometrial activity was investigated in its relationship with uterine contraction and ovarian hormones. The following results were obtained. (1) Endometrial movements were classified into two types: Peristaltic movements and undistinguished ones. Peristaltic movements were rhythmic and mainly found in the proliferative stage, directed from the internal uterine os to the fundus. (2) The detection rate and the frequency of peristaltic movements increased towards ovulation, with the highest values at 88% and 3.9/min, respectively. (3) Peristaltic movements rapidly ceased soon after ovulation and there were practically none after the mid-secretory stage. (4) All endometrial movements decreased in the secretory stage and became markedly quiescent after the mid-secretory stage. (5) In the proliferative stage, a positive correlation was found between the frequency of peristaltic movements and the serum estradiol level (p less than 0.001). In the secretory stage, the detection rate was lowered significantly when the serum progesterone level was more than 3.8 ng/ml (p less than 0.01). (6) Peristaltic movements coincided with uterine contractions both in rhythm and duration. As stated above, endometrial movements were strongly affected by hormonal condition, so they could be of value in the prediction and confirmation of ovulation and in the diagnosis of luteal insufficiency and dysfunctional bleeding as well.