Thickening of the Uterus

In medical parlance, thickening of uterus is known as 'Endometrial Hyperplasia'. The endometrium is the lining of the uterus, that grows and thickens every month in sexually mature women. It passes out during the menstrual period, if there is no occurrence of pregnancy. All the changes in the uterine lining are due to the female hormones; estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen builds or thickens the lining of the uterus, and progesterone controls its growth. Mid cycle ovulation occurs and the egg gets released. Un-fertilization of these eggs results in a drop in the hormonal level, causing a regular menstrual period. Egg and the lining get passed through the menstrual blood.

What Causes Thickening of the Uterus Lining?
Any imbalance between the hormones (high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone), may cause unusual or excessive cell growth in the inner glandular lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia). Untreated and unchecked, the cells of the lining become abnormal, which can lead to cancer of the uterus. There are various reasons as to why an imbalance can occur; menopause, irregular menstrual cycle history, obesity, diabetes, ovary related health conditions, and in some cases hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments.

Symptoms of Thickening of the Uterus
Being an internal organ, thickening of the uterine wall cannot be physically noticed. However, there are symptoms that one can observe and consult a gynecologist immediately. Lower abdomen pain, spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, excess vaginal discharge, and/or heavy and/or prolonged menstrual periods. These symptoms should not be ignored.

Treatment for Thick Uterus Lining
Treatment depends upon the severity, which is determined by a host of tests, one may be required to do to get the correct diagnosis. The first test generally done is a Pap test to identify any cellular changes of the cervix, followed by an evaluation of the uterus and endometrium by the following test:

• Pap smear: A simple and relatively painless screening test in which a sample of cells from a woman's cervix is collected and checked under a microscopic slide for malignant or other changes.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to get a picture of the uterine lining. This helps to determine the thickness and the spread of the infection.
• Biopsy: Biopsy for a uterine lining involves, insertion of a narrow tube inside the uterus to take a sample of cells. These cells are then scrutinized under a microscope for detecting cancer of the uterus.
• Curettage: In this test, a special device called a curette is used to loosen and remove a sample tissue of the uterine lining. The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
• Hysteroscopy: A narrow telescope-like device is inserted into the uterus to look for areas that seem a little abnormal. Cells are then removed from the lining and sent for testing

Endometrial hyperplasia can either be treated with medication or surgery. Medication involves the use of the hormone progesterone, which will cause the lining to shed and prevent it from growing again. It will often cause vaginal bleeding. Surgery on the other hand involves hysterectomy (uterus removal surgery). This is generally done when uterine cancer is detected. Read more on:

• Ovarian Cancer
• Cervical Cancer

Understanding thickening of the uterus, how and when it happens, and the role played by hormones is what this article has attempted to do. Endometrial hyperplasia of the uterus, by itself, is not cancerous, but women diagnosed with this condition are considered to be at a higher risk for cancer. It can be treated, and early identification, intervention and medication for uterine abnormalities will help one lead a healthy life.