Which condition may occur if there is excessive estrogen exposure in the absence of progestin?

• A. Endometriosis
• B. Endometrial hyperplasia
• C. Pelvic inflammatory disease
• D. Uterine fibroids

Answer: (B)

Excessive estrogen exposure in the absence of progestin can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, which is a condition characterized by the thickening of the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. Normally, progestin balances the effects of estrogen. When there is an imbalance, particularly when estrogen levels are elevated without adequate progestin to regulate hormonal effects, the endometrium can proliferate excessively. This overgrowth can range from simple hyperplasia to atypical hyperplasia, which can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer.

Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus and is not directly caused by excessive estrogen exposure without progestin. Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs and is not linked to hormone levels. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can be influenced by estrogen but are not directly a result of prolonged exposure without progesterone. Therefore, while the other conditions may be related to hormonal levels, endometrial hyperplasia is specifically a consequence of the hormonal imbalance described in the question.