Urethral Cytology in the Diagnosis of Secondary Amenorrhea

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two independent observers confirmed a high degree of reproducibility in reading urinary smears as a diagnostic assay in secondary amenorrhea. The per cent of cornified and non-nucleated cells and the progesterone effect all showed characteristic variations in menopause and typical anovulatory cycles. Two different pictures were seen in the Stein-Leventhal syndrome. On corticoid suppression, reversal of the cytological picture suggested presence of an adrenal factor. In pituitary deficiency the smear has been atrophic; when human follicle-stimulating hormone was used, it reflected ovarian stimulation with resulting ovulation. The voided urine specimen is recommended as the simplest of endocrine tests. With attention to only three major characteristics, it provides valuable information in differential diagnosis of secondary amenorrhea.