Markers of human endometrial hypoxia can be detected in vivo and ex vivo during physiological menstruation

This study examined thein vivo detection of endometrial hypoxic markers at specific timepoints in the menstrual cycle in women with a menstrual blood loss<80 ml/cycle and without significant uterine structural abnormalities. Further research is required to determine the presence of endometrial hypoxia in those experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding with and without fibroids/adenomyosis.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSHeavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common, debilitating condition. Understanding menstrual physiology may improve therapeutics. To our knowledge, this is the firstin vivo data supporting the presence of menstrual hypoxia in the endometrium of women with normal menstrual bleeding. If aberrant in those with HMB, these non-invasive tests may aid diagnosis and facilitate personalized treatments for HMB.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)This work was funded by Wellbeing of Women grant RG1820, Wellcome Trust Fellowship 209589/Z/17/Z and undertaken in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, funded by grants G1002033 and MR/N022556/1. H.O.D.C. has clinical research support for laboratory consumables and staff from Bayer AG and provides consultancy advice (but with no personal remuneration) for Bayer AG, PregLem SA, Gedeon Richter, Vifor Pharma UK Ltd, AbbVie Inc; Myovant Sciences GmbH. H.O.D.C. receives royalties from UpToDate for articles on abnormal uterine bleeding.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research