The presence of ovarian hormone receptors in the nasal mucosa and their relationship to nasal symptoms.

Background: There is evidence in the literature showing a link between ovarian hormones and changes to nasal physiology.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to identify and quantify female hormone receptor positive cells in the nasal mucosa and to establish if there is a correlation with rhinitic symptoms.

Methods: Twenty-five adult patients attending a university hospital for routine, elective nonrhinological ENT procedures under general anaesthetic (mainly tonsillectomy) were recruited pre-operatively.