ABSTRACT
It is estimated that one-third of all gynecological visits are precipitated by uterine bleeding and an even greater proportion of women in the perimenopausal period seek care because of abnormal uterine bleeding. Benign diseases of the endometrium – endometrial polyps and uterine leiomyomata – are the most likely causes of such symptoms. The objective of this chapter is to review the current understanding of how these two benign conditions of the endometrium affect endometrial growth, leading to common gynecological problems such as abnormal uterine bleeding and infertility. Understanding of leiomyomata and endometrial polyps remains incomplete, although recent advances resulting from the application of genomic and proteomic methods to these diseases have provided insight. Additional basic, translational, and clinical research is needed to improve understanding and develop more effective preventive strategies for the disorders.
