The role of prostaglandins and allied substances in uterine haemostasis.

This review addresses itself to summarizing the more recent studies published on the bioconversion of arachidonic acid in the human endo- and myometrium during the normal menstrual cycle and in women with increased menstrual blood loss. The data indicate an increased ability of the endo- and myometrium from women with menorrhagia to produce prostaglandins with vasodilator and platelet anti-aggregatory properties, viz., prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2. The data on prostaglandin production in endometria of IUD wearers is reviewed and discussed in relation to present knowledge on morphological findings in IUD-influenced endometrium.