The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus, the membrane that nourishes it through its own blood vessels.
The endometrium can vary, and these changes can be both pathological and physiological in nature. With changes in the endometrium, the norm is determined based on certain conditions.
The endometrium consists of two layers: the first layer is represented by epithelial cells, and the second layer consists of glandular cells. Under the endometrial layer is the muscle membrane, or myometrium, from which the blood vessels depart, carrying blood throughout the endometrium.
The normal thickness of the endometrium depends on the day of the cycle. The closer to the day of ovulation, the greater the thickness of the endometrium becomes: the norm on the 14th day of the cycle is 13-14 mm.
Every day, cyclical changes in the endometrium occur, which normally indicate a woman's normal reproductive health. In a healthy woman, the upper layer of the endometrium is rejected every month, due to which menstrual bleeding occurs. By the end of menstruation, the upper layer is completely exfoliated, and the endometrium becomes very thin.
The time when the thickness of the endometrium reaches its maximum volume is the next few days after ovulation. At this time, the endometrium is ready to accept a fertilized egg.
But often, women are faced with pathological changes in the endometrium, while the norm of the thickness of its layer is much distorted. With glandular hyperplasia, the endometrium is significantly hypertrophied, which often leads to intermenstrual bleeding. In this case, the thickness of the endometrium can reach 20 mm.
With hyperplasia, proliferation of endometrial cells occurs. In some cases (5-15%), hyperplasia passes into endometrial cancer.
Causes of endometrial hyperplasia
As a result of hormonal disorders, endometrial hyperplasia can develop . In this case, the thickness of the endometrium, the norm of which should not exceed 14 mm, increases significantly. Hyperplasia is characteristic of cystically altered ovaries.
The appearance of hyperplasia is also affected by the amount of hormones produced by a woman’s body, namely estrogen. With an increased level of estrogen, there is a lack of ovulation.
Symptoms of hyperplasia:
1. After another delay in menstruation, uterine bleeding occurs. They appear in the form of prolonged bleeding, but with moderate blood loss, or vice versa - a large blood loss can occur in a few days.
2. Spotting between menstruation.
3. Primary or secondary infertility.
4. Irregular menstruation.
Treatment of endometrial hyperplasia
Since hyperplasia is a hormonal disease, treatment should also be hormonal. The main goal of treatment is to prevent uterine bleeding. If the examination revealed a risk of transition of hyperplasia to cancer, then the treatment is performed by a gynecologist-oncologist.
If some signs are found, it is urgent to consult a doctor who will prescribe treatment in a timely manner, which will reduce the risk of complications.