Endometrial polyps during menopause: Characterization and significance

Background. To characterize postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps and to evaluate their significance. Methods. The study population included all consecutive postmenopausal patients with a diagnosis of endometrial polyp, treated at our center over a two-year period. Demographic, medical and gynecological data were assessed with regard to the endometrial histologic findings. Results. Of the 146 eligable patients, 15 had endometrial hyperplasia (four with atypia); there were no cases of endometrial carcinoma. The 20 patients (13.7%) using hormone replacement therapy had a significantly higher rate of endometrial hyperplasia than non-hormone users (p < 0.006). No differences were observed among the endometrial histological categories for any of the presenting symptoms and signs, ultrasonographic findings, or medical histories. Conclusions. Postmenopausal endometrial polyp is a common, mostly benign entity. However, the relatively high rate of concomitant endometrial hyperplasia, especially in patients receiving hormone replacement therapy, dictates a thorough histological evaluation in all cases.