The variation in cervical hydroxyproline and cervical water with age

The squamocolumnar junction is frequently not visible in the postmenopausal patient. This study attempts to identify some of the changes in the cervix that may account for this observation. Twenty-four cervical biopsy samples taken at the squamocolumnar junction were analysed for hydroxyproline (collagen) and water content. There was significantly more hydroxyproline (collagen) in the premenopausal woman than the postmenopausal woman. Similarly, there was higher percentage of water in the biopsies in the premenopausal woman than the postmenopausal woman. Further samples obtained deeper in the cervical stroma did not confirm these differences. It appears likely that differences in cervical water and cervical collagen near the surface of the cervix account, at least in part, for the lack of visibility of the squamocolumnar junction in the older woman.