Thickened Endometrium

Endometrial hyperplasia or thickened endometrium is a condition, where the lining of the uterus becomes too thick. The thickened endometrium lining leads to abnormal bleeding. This causes increase in the production of the estrogen in the body, irregular menstrual cycle and deficiency of progesterone. The endometrial hyperplasia is a non-cancerous condition, that increases the risk of endometrial carcinoma.

Classification of Endometrial Hyperplasia
The glands forming cells of the hyperplastic endometrium undergo changes when they are predisposed to the cancerous formation. There are two types of endometrial hyperplasia:

• Hyperplasia without atypical changes
• Hyperplasia with atypical changes

In case of atypical changes, the cells are changed and become abnormal. This increases the risk of developing womb cancer. These two types are further divided into simple and complex hyperplasia with or without atypical changes.

Causes of Endometrial Hyperplasia
Estrogen is responsible for building the uterine lining. The maintenance and control of this growth is carried out in presence of progesterone. When there is too much of estrogen and too little of progesterone, overgrowth of uterine lining occurs. Thus, causing thickening of the endometrium. There are various causes of increase in estrogen and decrease in progesterone in the bod. These include:

• Diabetes
• Estrogen hormone therapy without administration of progesterone
• Obesity
• Missed menstruation cycle
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Symptoms of Endometrial Hyperplasia
The symptoms of thickened endometrium include changes during menstrual cycle. Other symptoms are as follows:

• Vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between menstrual cycle
• Heavy and prolonged menstrual periods
• Pain in the abdomen
• Pelvic pain
• Excessively dry vagina
• Increase in growth of body hair
• Hot flushes
• Mood swings
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Rapid heart rate
• Vaginal tenderness

Who are at Risk of Developing Endometrial Hyperplasia?
The women who are at risk of developing thickened endometrium are:

• Women who have undergone menopause
• Women who don't ovulate or have irregular ovulation, that is, late periods
• Obese or overweight women
• Diabetics
• Women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Diagnosis of Endometrial Hyperplasia
The diagnosis of thickened endometrium depends on your age and how long have you been suffering from thickened endometrium. The doctor may carry out a biopsy before carrying out thickened endometrium treatment and to rule out cancer.

Endometrial Hyperplasia Treatment
Endometrial hyperplasia or thickened endometrium can be treated with medication in many cases. Birth control pills or hormone progesterone is usually given as medication for thickened endometrium treatment. Most often hysterectomy is advised as thickened endometrium treatment. Many times hyperplasia may lead to cancer and therefore the doctor may observe you for some time, if you do not undergo hysterectomy.

Can One get Pregnant with Endometrial Hyperplasia?
Women who are diagnosed with endometriosis worry about getting pregnant. One can definitely get pregnant with this condition, however, the wait may prove to be longer. One needs to speak to their doctor regarding treatment options for thickened endometrium. These include D&C, use of birth control pills that help in shedding the uterine wall, use of Provera and hysteroscopy. It may take time to conceive, thus, one should not stop trying.

This was some information on thickened endometrium. There is significant risk factor involved with endometrial hyperplasia or thickened endometrium for endometrial cancer. Speak to your doctor regarding the condition and make sure you follow the treatment advised to avoid complications.