This article is part of the supplement: Basic and applied biology of the primate reproductive tract: in honor of the career of Dr Robert M Brenner .

Review

Regulation of human endometrial function: mechanisms relevant to uterine bleeding

Hilary OD Critchley¹ , Rodney W Kelly², David T Baird¹ and Robert M Brenner³

¹  Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK

²  Medical Research Council Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK

³  Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185^th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA

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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2006, 4(Suppl 1):S5doi:10.1186/1477-7827-4-S1-S5

Published:	9 October 2006

Abstract

This review focuses on the complex events that occur in the endometrium after progesterone is withdrawn (or blocked) and menstrual bleeding ensues. A detailed understanding of these local mechanisms will enhance our knowledge of disturbed endometrial/uterine function – including problems with excessively heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis and breakthrough bleeding with progestin only contraception. The development of novel strategies to manage these clinically significant problems depends on such new understanding as does the development of new contraceptives which avoid the endometrial side effect of breakthrough bleeding.