Endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus, the sheath that nourishes it through its own blood vessels.
Endometrium can change, and these changes can be both pathological and physiological. 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 layer of the endometrium is the muscular membrane, or myometrium, from which blood vessels extend, carrying blood throughout the endometrium.
Normal thickness of the endometrium depends on the day of the cycle. The closer to the day of ovulation, the thicker the endometrium becomes: the norm on the 14th day of the cycle is 13-14 mm.
Every day there are cyclic changes in the endometrium, which normally indicate the normal reproductive he alth of a woman. In a he althy woman, the top layer of the endometrium is shed every month, which causes menstrual bleeding. By the end of menstruation, the top layer is completely peeled off, 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 receive a fertilized egg.
But often women are faced with pathological changes in the endometrium, 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.
When hyperplasia occurs, the growth of endometrial cells. In some cases (5-15%) hyperplasia turns into endometrial cancer.
Causes of endometrial hyperplasia
As a result of hormonal disorders, endometrial hyperplasia may develop. At the same time, the thickness of the endometrium, the norm of which should not exceed 14 mm, increases significantly. Hyperplasia is characteristic of cystic ovaries.
Also, the appearance of hyperplasia is 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 lot of blood loss can occur in a few days.
2. Smearing between periods.
3. Primary or secondary infertility.
4. Irregular periods.
Treatment of endometrial hyperplasia
Since hyperplasia is a hormonal disease, the treatment should be hormonal drugs. The main goal of treatment is to prevent uterine bleeding. If the examination revealed the risk of hyperplasia turning into cancer, then the treatment is carried out 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.
