Thickened Endometrium
The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. Its thickness varies with a woman’s age, reproductive stage and specific point of her menstrual cycle. A thickened endometrium may or may not be a normal finding, depending on various factors of a woman’s menstrual stage. To evaluate endometrial thickening, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used.
Part 1: Normal Endometrial Thickness in Menstrual Cycle
The endometrium normally changes in thickness and appearance throughout your menstrual cycle. These changes are associated with the hormonal changes that occur during the cycle.
Early in the menstrual cycle, estrogen, which is produced by the ovaries, causes the uterine lining to grow, to prepare the
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During the late proliferative phase, endometrial thickening begins, revealing a trilaminar appearance. Imaging shows an outer echogenic layer, a hypoechoic middle functional layer, and an echogenic inner stripe. During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, you will have a thickened endometrium that is uniformly echogenic. The functional layer becomes edematous and isoechoic to your basal layer.
Part 2: What Causes Thickened Endometrium?
In most cases, thickened endometrium or endometrial hyperplasia is non-cancerous (benign). Aside from the normal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes during perimenopausal stage may also cause endometrial thickening. Chronic disorders like obesity, diabetes, or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) may also be associated with thick endometrium. Aside from these, endometrial hyperplasia may also be associated with uterine cancer.
Symptoms of endometrial thickening include unusual changes in the length of menstrual periods, heavier menstrual blood flow, abnormal bleeding/spotting between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding. Anemia (low blood count) may also