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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Thickening Of Endometrial Lining And Heterogenous Tissue?

I am 52 and perimenopause. Have had dropping hgb, hct over past 4 yrs- recently 9.7 hgb. Have missed 3 periods from June, July, and August and then had heavy, heavy period September and have had period monthly until this month- now3 weeks late. Told my iron level at 1 and put on 325mg Fe tid and GYN did saline u/s of uterus and shows 17mm thickening of endometrium lining and the tissue heterogenous. I have never taken any birth control pills, or hormones at any time in my life and never been on any medications. Besides Cancer why would tissue be heterogenous and how common is this? Also what is normal thickness of endometrium lining?
Sat, 22 Apr 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Thickening of the endometrial lining can have several causes, and some of them include hormonal imbalances, polyps, fibroids, infections, and cancer. In perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in the thickness of the endometrial lining, and this is usually not a cause for concern.

The heterogeneity of the endometrial tissue could be due to the presence of different types of cells or tissues within the endometrium, and this may suggest the presence of abnormal growth or proliferation of cells. This finding warrants further evaluation, including a biopsy of the endometrial tissue, to determine the underlying cause.

The normal thickness of the endometrial lining varies depending on the menstrual cycle phase and the age of the woman. In postmenopausal women, the endometrial lining should typically measure less than 5 mm, and any thickening may indicate a problem. In perimenopausal women, the thickness of the endometrial lining can vary, but a thickness greater than 10 mm is generally considered abnormal and requires further evaluation.

It is important to discuss these findings with your gynecologist, who can help determine the cause of the thickening and heterogeneity of the endometrial tissue and recommend appropriate treatment or further testing.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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General & Family Physician Dr. Priyanka's  Response
Hi,

Thickening of the endometrial lining and heterogenous tissue can be caused by various factors. In perimenopausal women, it is not uncommon to experience irregular periods and changes in the endometrial lining due to fluctuating hormone levels.

However, thickening of the endometrial lining can also be a sign of other conditions such as:
* Endometrial hyperplasia: This is a condition where there is an overgrowth of the endometrial lining, which can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
* Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause thickening of the endometrial lining.
* Endometrial polyps: These are growths that occur in the lining of the uterus and can cause thickening of the endometrial lining.
* Adenomyosis: This is a condition where the tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus, causing a thickening of the endometrial lining.

The thickness of the endometrial lining varies depending on the menstrual cycle phase. In premenopausal women, the normal thickness of the endometrial lining is less than 5 mm in the early proliferative phase and can increase up to 10-15 mm in the late proliferative phase. In perimenopausal women, the thickness of the endometrial lining can vary, but a thickness of more than 4-5 mm may warrant further investigation.

Heterogenous tissue in the endometrium can be a sign of various conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, or endometrial hyperplasia. However, it can also be a normal finding in some women. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment options may include hormonal therapy, surgery, or a combination of both.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Thickening Of Endometrial Lining And Heterogenous Tissue?

Hi, Thickening of the endometrial lining can have several causes, and some of them include hormonal imbalances, polyps, fibroids, infections, and cancer. In perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to changes in the thickness of the endometrial lining, and this is usually not a cause for concern. The heterogeneity of the endometrial tissue could be due to the presence of different types of cells or tissues within the endometrium, and this may suggest the presence of abnormal growth or proliferation of cells. This finding warrants further evaluation, including a biopsy of the endometrial tissue, to determine the underlying cause. The normal thickness of the endometrial lining varies depending on the menstrual cycle phase and the age of the woman. In postmenopausal women, the endometrial lining should typically measure less than 5 mm, and any thickening may indicate a problem. In perimenopausal women, the thickness of the endometrial lining can vary, but a thickness greater than 10 mm is generally considered abnormal and requires further evaluation. It is important to discuss these findings with your gynecologist, who can help determine the cause of the thickening and heterogeneity of the endometrial tissue and recommend appropriate treatment or further testing. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician