The effect of mifepristone on human endometrium thickness and serum hormone levels

Objectives To assess endometrium thickness by transvaginal ultrasonography and determine serum hormone levels in women with long-term receiving mifepristone. Furthermore, its safety was also explored. Methods A before-after study was used. Total 20 patients with myoma of uterus and endometriosis who received 25 mg of mifepristone daily prospectively for at least 3 months. Endovaginal ultrasonography was used for endometrial assessment on the day of follicle period before taking medicine and on the day 30, 60, 90 for follow-up visit, and blood samples were collected for sex hormone analysis. Results All of women taking this drug developed amenorrhea. The thickness of endometrium increased, but there was no significant difference from beginning to end. On the day 90 of receiving mifepristone, the endometrium thickness was8 mm in 13 patients and≥8 mm in 7 patients. The thickness of endometrium was significantly associated with the level of E 2 in each case, and it was 17 mm at the most. There was no appreciable changes in the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone LH or cortisol (C) levels in the blood samples before and during the treatment. Conclusions Transvaginal ultrasonography may be used termly to assess endometrial appearance in patients with long-term receiving mifepristone. The diagnostic uterine curettage should be applied based on the patient's clinical condition.