Objective: To clarify the clinical outcome of women with complex atypical hyperplasia of the endometrium who were treated either by hysterectomy or a non-surgical treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA).
Study design: Thirty of the 53 patients with complex atypical hyperplasia of the endometrium were treated by undergoing hysterectomy and 20 were treated with MPA alone as the primary therapy. Their clinical features and outcomes were evaluated.
Results: The ages of the 53 patients ranged from 28 to 62 years (mean 46.2). Fifteen (75%) of the 20 patients (8 of 12 with low-dose MPA and 6 of 8 with high-dose MPA) responded initially to MPA therapy. Two of the 12 patients who were treated with low-dose MPA progressed to endometrial adenocarcinoma. Three patients treated with high-dose MPA conceived after treatment having three healthy infants.
Conclusion: Primary treatment with high-dose MPA is a safe and effective therapy for women with complex atypical hyperplasia of the endometrium who wish to preserve their fertility.