A retrospective study was undertaken in which the histopathology reports on 1,000 specimens of endometrial curettings were reviewed in order to assess the value of pathological examination of the endometrium. In this series the reports were of use in only one-half of the specimens submitted. A seemingly high proportion of specimens was unsuitable for histological assessment. The main factors contributing to the pathologist's inability to provide a useful report appear to be inadequacy of the specimen and a lack of information regarding the clinical and menstrual history. Alternative methods of endometrial sampling are also briefly reviewed.