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Birla Fertility & IVF

What is Endometrial Thickness

  • Published on December 28, 2022
What is Endometrial Thickness

The endometrium is a layer of tissues that lines the uterus. When endometrium has unusual thickness it is referred to as endometrial thickness. This typically happens during the menstruation cycle in females where the thickness of the endometrium shifts in the process. 

Endometrial thickness plays a key role in pregnancy. Experts suggest that the best chance for a healthy pregnancy is when the endometrium is neither too thick nor too thin. The normal thickness of the endometrium helps in nourishing the embryo successfully. 

If conception doesn’t happen, estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that impact endometrial growth and the shedding of the tissues present in the inner lining of the uterus. Read the below article to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments of endometrial thickness. 

Causes of Endometrial Thickness

Typically the thickness of the tissue layer (endometrium) present in the uterus keeps on changing in the body during the menstruation cycle. However, other factors can also cause endometrial thickness. Some of them are- 

Endometrial polyps– When the tissues start growing abnormally in the inner lining of the uterus it is called endometrial polyps. Such irregular growth can lead to endometrial thickness. 

Diabetes- Some Research suggests type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) usually prompts endometrial thickness. 

High Blood Pressure– Women with hypertension or high blood pressure are noticed with increased endometrial thickness. 

Obesity & Overweight- Several studies report a correlation between overweight or obesity and significantly increased endometrial thickness. Excessive body weight than regular body weight can result in endometrial thickness. 

Uterine Fibroids- The size of the fibroids can be different and may vary from one patient to another. The excessive growth of tissues in the uterus can get attached to the endometrium and appear to be thicker. 

Measurements of Endometrial Thickness

Typically, experts suggest transvaginal ultrasound or sonography routinely to measure the thickness of the endometrium along with the severity of the condition. Over the course of a menstrual cycle, the endometrium naturally changes its appearance and thickness:

  • In the early proliferative phase or pre-mensuration, the inner layer of the uterus or endometrium is thin. 
  • In the late proliferate phase, it forms a trilaminar appearance. 
  • The thickness of the endometrium increases in the secretory phase i.e. 16 mm. 

Common Symptoms of Endometrial Thickness

When the inner tissue layer of the uterus develops at an abnormal rate, it made the endometrium thicker than normal. There are various symptoms that can be noticed because of abnormal growth of the endometrium. Some of them are- 

-You may feel excessive pain during periods

-The thickness in the inner layer of the uterus can result in complications causing difficulty in getting pregnant

-Most women with endometrial thickness usually complain of pain during sexual intercourse

-You may experience Irregular periods because of the abnormal growth of tissues in the endometrium

-The thickness of the uterus lining results in heavy bleeding during menstruation

-Pain and cramps in the pelvic area may start randomly during the pre and post mensuration cycle. 

The severity of the symptoms may worsen over time. Therefore it is always advisable to consult a gynaecologist or specialised doctor for the same for immediate assistance and effective treatment. 

 Treatments for Endometrial Thickness

The expert will diagnose the condition and may advise treatments of endometrial thickness based on severity. Fertility experts reported that women with endometrial thickness experience difficulty in pregnancy. To treat abnormal growth in the inner lining of the uterus and its thickness of it, the doctor may suggest progestin. It is a female hormone that helps in preventing ovulation and hysterectomy. However, the condition and thickness of the endometrium may vary from one patient to another which is diagnosed through recommended diagnostic tests i.e. transvaginal ultrasound. 

Bottom Line

The thickness of the endometrium changes throughout a woman’s life. Nevertheless, people who notice abnormal bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, or other changes in their bodies should consult a doctor and receive the appropriate treatment.

Immediate medical assistance and proper treatment of endometrial thickness can help women increase the chances of conception who are trying for a baby. You can also call us or book a free appointment with our fertility expert at your convenience. 

Written by:
Dr. Vaani Mehta

Dr. Vaani Mehta

Consultant
Dr. Vaani Mehta is a fertility speacialist with more than 10 years of clinical experience. She specialises in laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries, alongside a comprehensive understanding of both male and female fertility issues. During her Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine, she developed a special interest in patients with unexplained infertility and with poor ovarian reserve. Dr. Mehta's exceptional clinical acumen allows her to adeptly navigate through a spectrum of infertility-related issues, including PCOD, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, structural anomalies, tubal factors, and male infertility, among others. Having trained under esteemed IVF mentors, she possesses an extensive knowledge in the field of reproductive medicine, offering hope and effective solutions to couples on their journey to parenthood.
Chandigarh
 

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