What is thin Endometrium, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

The thin endometrium is the tissue that lines the inner layer of the uterus. The uterus is lined with 3 layers, the outer layer is called serosa, the middle layer is called the myometrium and the 3rd and innermost layer is called the endometrium. Dr. Swati Mishra shares her insights into what thin endometrium is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment. She also shares her thoughts on how pregnancy and thin endometrium is linked.

What is Thin Endometrium?

The thin endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus which is essential for reproduction because this is where embryo implantation takes place. Simply put, for a successful pregnancy, the embryo must implant itself in the endometrial lining.  

The endometrial lining keeps changing throughout the periods (menstrual cycle). For a successful pregnancy, the embryo should be implanted well in the endometrial lining that too in an optimal condition. Oestrogen and progesterone are two sets of hormones that help in preparing and thickening the endometrial lining for further implantation. Once the embryo is implanted, the pregnancy progresses, and the nourishment that is needed for the growth of the baby is supplied by the glands that are active and present in the uterine lining. If in case the endometrial lining is not thick, it would be difficult for the woman to reach conception or hold the pregnancy. 

Symptoms of Thin Endometrium

Below are some common symptoms of thin endometrium 

• Abnormal or irregular menstrual cycle
• Issues pertaining to infertility
• Painful menses
• Inadequate bleeding during menses

Causes of Thin Endometrium

Let us look at some of the most common causes of thin endometrium.

Low Estrogen Level:

If there is a lack of estrogen level in the body it may result in a thin endometrial lining. For this, the doctor conducts blood tests to determine the level of estrogen level in the body. If the estrogen levels are below the normal required range, the doctors may prescribe the patient some tablets and injections to replenish the estrogen levels.

Decreased Blood Flow:

If there is insufficient blood flow in the body it may lead to thinning of the endometrial lining. The blood flow to the uterus can be checked by ultrasound.

If an individual has a thin uterine lining despite having an adequate amount of estrogen level it may be due to a previous uterine infection that has damaged the uterine lining and formed a scar on the tissue.

Uterine Fibroids:

The benign growths that are found in the uterus are referred to as uterine fibroids. There are two types of fibroids, one that is hardly seen by the human eye and the other that is large enough to cause bulges in the uterus.

Chronic Endometritis:

When there is inflammation and infection found in the endometrial cells, it is referred to as chronic endometritis. Though it is not a life-threatening infection, still, it is recommended by the specialist to get it treated as soon as it is detected.

Treatment for Thin Endometrium

For a successful pregnancy, the endometrial lining should be examined well and treated in order to make it thick and nourish the lining so that the lining is able to accept an embryo transferred. 

Some of the thin uterine lining treatment methods are discussed below.

• Estrogen therapy may be given orally or in a gel form to make the endometrial lining thick so that an egg can implant easily.
• New and advanced growth hormones are given to increase the thickness of the endometrial lining.
• If intrauterine adhesions are to blame for the uterus’ thin lining, they can be removed during hysteroscopy, which will gradually allow the endometrial lining to thicken to the proper thickness.
• The best course of action for patients who have a thin endometrial lining would be to freeze all embryos and transfer them over once the endometrial lining is thickened.

Pregnancy in Thin Endometrium

This line is too good to be true, it is next to impossible to continue the pregnancy if you have thin endometrium. You can get pregnant with thin endometrium but that is only possible if the doctor is successfully able to thicken your endometrium lining. Because even if the patient is pregnant with thin endometrium there are high chances that it will result in either implantation failure or recurrent miscarriages. Thickening of the endometrial lining before trying to conceive is essential to avoid any pregnancy complications. There are other options as well that can help a woman with thin endometrial lining to pursue pregnancy. Doctors suggest the patient freeze the embryos and once with medication the endometrial lining is thickened, they can move ahead and transfer the embryos with the hope of conception.

FAQs 

How does a thin endometrium affect pregnancy?

Thin endometrium makes it difficult for the individual to hold a pregnancy and it will either lead to miscarriage or implantation failure.

 Is thin endometrium normal?

No, thin endometrium is not normal. Thin endometrium can lead to abnormal concentration of oxygen in the epithelial cells that can cause an increase in free radicals and lead to toxicity in the cells and affect the implantation, leading to implantation failure.

How to thicken the endometrium?

Certain medications or injections are given to improve the blood flow throughout the body and once the endometrial lining is thickened, the embryo is transferred. 

Can thin endometrium cause pain?

Thin endometrium causes painful menstruation and irregular or inadequate menstrual bleeding.

Can endometriosis be cured by diet?

Effective treatment can help manage endometriosis but there is no cure for endometriosis. Certain dietary changes may help manage the symptoms.