Contents
What is Endometrial Hyperplasia?
Endometrial hyperplasia is a medical condition in which the endometrium, the innermost layer of the uterus, thickens. This thickening of the endometrium is caused by an overgrowth of endometrial cells. When left untreated, endometrial hyperplasia can lead to abnormal bleeding, infertility and eventually endometrial cancer.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: Symptoms and Causes
The primary symptom of endometrial hyperplasia is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This bleeding can be either lighter or heavier than usual and can also alternate between heavy and light. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse.
Endometrial hyperplasia is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the production of estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen is dominant and progesterone is low, it can cause an overgrowth of the endometrium. Other factors that can contribute to an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels include obesity, diabetes, hormonal birth control, and a family history of endometrial hyperplasia.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: Treatments and Health Implications
The most commonly used treatments for endometrial hyperplasia are hormone therapy, endometrial ablation, and hysterectomy.
Hormone therapy is used to regulate the balance between estrogen and progesterone in order to reduce the amount of endometrial tissue. For some women, endometrial ablation, in which the endometrial tissue is destroyed to reduce reoccurrence of the overgrowth, is an option. For more serious cases, a hysterectomy, in which the uterus is removed, may be necessary.
Left untreated, endometrial hyperplasia can lead to infertility, increased risk of miscarriage, and, in rare cases, endometrial cancer. Regular check-ups with a gynecologist, avoidance of risk factors, such as obesity and chronic use of hormonal birth control can help reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia occurring.
Conclusion
Endometrial hyperplasia is a medical condition in which the endometrium, the innermost layer of the uterus, thickens due to an overgrowth of endometrial cells. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the primary symptom. Without treatment, endometrial hyperplasia can lead to infertility, increased risk of miscarriage and even endometrial cancer. Treatments, such as hormone therapy, endometrial ablation and hysterectomy, are available to treat endometrial hyperplasia, and regular check-ups with a gynecologist can help reduce the risk.
Keywords
Endometrial Hyperplasia, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Hormone Therapy, Endometrial Ablation, Hysterectomy, Infertility, Miscarriage, Endometrial Cancer