Normal Thickness of the Endometrium and How is It Measured
The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. The body prepares the endometrium for receiving an embryo during the menstrual cycle. Endometrial thickness changes according to the stage of the cycle. The first half of the proliferative phase lasts from days 5 to 14 of a person's cycle, or from the end of one menstrual cycle, when bleeding ends, to before ovulation. During this period, the endometrium thickens and may measure 10-16 mm. Hormones cause an egg to be released approximately 14 days into a person's cycle. During this secretory phase, endometrial thickness reaches its maximum of 18 mm.
To measure the endometrial thickness, ultrasound is the simplest and most popular method for taking measurements. When ultrasonography is not appropriate due to the position of the uterus, medical professionals may utilize MRI to measure endometrial thickness.
What Does a Thin Endometrium Indicate?
It is possible that the endometrium can sometimes be excessively thin. An older study defined a thin endometrium as 7 mm or less. Experts typically correlate low endometrial thickness values with aging. However, they found that 5% of adults under 40 and 25% of those over 40 had a thin endometrium.
A thin endometrium may indicate infertility, repeated miscarriages, or placental abnormalities. It may also be connected with reduced implantation and pregnancy rates.
Inflammation, medical therapy, and the form and composition of the endometrium are all possible causes of a thin endometrial.
Understanding Endometrial Hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia is a medical disorder in which the endometrium becomes too thick. This is frequently associated with elevated levels of estrogen or estrogen-like substances and a lack of progesterone. The illness is not cancer, but it has the potential to evolve into cancer.
Common Symptoms of Endometrial Issues
The most common indicators of increased endometrial thickness are:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Extremely heavy or prolonged bleeding during menstruation
- Menstrual irregularities include periods lasting less than 3 weeks or more than 38 days, as well as spotting between periods.
Also read: What is Bulky Uterus? its Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
What Causes Endometrial Thickening?
The thickness of the endometrium changes during a person's menstrual cycle, although other factors can also cause alterations, including:
Pregnancy: One of the most common reasons for endometrial thickness is pregnancy. A person undergoing an ectopic pregnancy or who is less than 5 weeks pregnant may exhibit signs of a thickened endometrium.
Cancer: Cancer of the endometrium or ovaries is one of the most serious disorders that can cause an increase in endometrial thickness.
Other Causes: Other causes of endometrial thickness include obesity, hormone replacement treatment, tamoxifen, diabetes, endometrial hyperplasia, persistent high blood pressure, and endometrial polyps.
Also read: Can ovarian Cyst be the cause of your infertility?
Treatments for Endometrial Conditions
Progestin, a female hormone that suppresses ovulation, and hysterectomy are both used to treat excessive endometrial thickness.
According to studies, poor endometrial thickness measurements make pregnancy progression more challenging. Treatments for thin endometrium may include estrogen therapy.
During pregnancy, the placenta generates hormones such as estrogen and human chorionic gonadotrophin. Additionally, medicines and supplements can help enhance blood flow. However, research indicates that these treatments are not consistently beneficial.
Also Check: What to do if pregnancy does not occur?
When to See a Doctor?
People should contact a doctor if they observe irregular vaginal bleeding, including:
- Spotting between periods.
- Heavy, uneven, or short blood flow pattes
- Vaginal hemorrhage or spotting following menopause
People who have pelvic pain of unknown origin should also see a doctor for an assessment, to rule out endometrial cancer. Bloating and a sensation of fullness despite not eating much are two other signs to be aware of.
Conclusion
Endometrial thickness reveals not only the condition of the uterus, the likelihood of conception, and the health of the pregnancy, but it also indicates hormonal changes, suggests other medical conditions, and is an essential indicator in different assessments of a woman's reproductive health.
