Histopathology of endometrium in dysfunctional uterine bleeding –a review

Background: Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is a common problem in women accounting for one third of all gynaecological consultations carried out for abnormal uterine bleeding. The pathophysiology is not fully understood and complex. Specific diagnosis of functional disorder can be achieved by histopathological examination of the endometrium. Aims: To study various patterns on histopathology in cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Material and methods: Consecutive endometrial curettings of 654 cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding in the age group 20 to 60 years over a period of one year were included in the study. Organic lesions of the uterus were ruled out by ultrasonography. The tissue was routinely processed and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and the histological patterns were recorded. Results: Out of 654 cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, 53.51% cases presented with anovulatory patterns and ovulatory patterns in 38.53%. Endometrial hyperplasia was seen in 7.64% of cases and granulosa cell tumor of ovary in 2 cases. Endometrial hyperplasia was more common in the age group beyond 30 years. Conclusion: In cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding a precise histological typing of lesions is very much essential in the management as it can predict the functional disorder by looking at the morphology of the glands and the stroma.