The uterus as an endocrine compartment

Evidence has begun to accumulate over the past several years that the uterus is a much more complex organ than was previously thought. Data would suggest that the uterus is a tissue that actively secretes a variety of substances that act locally and at distant sites from the uterus in the control of normal nonconceptual physiologic events, in gestation, and in influencing pathophysiologic symptoms. This article discusses the data underlying the concept of the uterus as an endocrine compartment with particular emphasis on the physiology of the decidualized endometrial stroma.