Progesterone: A critical role in the pathogenesis of uterine myomas

doi:10.1016/0002-9378(95)90077-2

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Volume 172, Issue 1, Part 1, January 1995, Pages 14-18

https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9378(95)90077-2 Get rights and content

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas are monoclonal tumors. However, the factors involved in their initiation and growth remain poorly understood. The neoplastic transformation of myometrium to leiomyoma likely involves somatic mutations of normal myometrium and the complex interactions of sex steroids and local growth factors. Traditionally, estrogen has been considered the major promoter of myoma growth. The purpose of thes review is to highlight the biochemical, histologic, and clinical evidence that supports an equally important role for progesterone in the growth of uterine myomas. Biochemical studies suggest that progesterone, progestins, and the progesterone receptor modulate myoma mitotic activity. Several clinical trials demonstrate that progestins inhibit and or reverse the ability of hypoestrogenism induced by a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist to shrink uterine myomas,suggesting a critical role for progesterone in growth of myomas. A new hypothesis to explain the pathogenesin of myomas is presented.

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Clinical opinionProgesterone: A critical role in the pathogenesis of uterine myomas

Abstract

Fertil Steril

Fertil Steril

Fertil Steril

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Gynacol Oncol

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Fertil Steril

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Unicellular histogenesis of uterine leiomyomas as determined by electrophoresis of glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Cytogenetic abnormalities in uterine leionyomata

Obstet Gynecol

Analysis of androgen receptor DNA reveals the independent clonal origins of uterine leiomyomata and the secondary nature of cytogenetic aberrations in leiomyomata development

Genes Chromosom Cancer

Unconjugated steroids in leoimyomas and tumor-bearing myometrium

Am J Obstet Gynecol

Clinical opinion
Progesterone: A critical role in the pathogenesis of uterine myomas