Normal Endometrial Thickness - An Overview

What Is Endometrium?

The endometrium is the uterine lining. Endometrium appears as a dark line on the screen during a woman's ultrasound or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This line is also known as the "endometrial stripe." This term does not refer to a medical condition or diagnosis but a normal component of the body's tissue. As a symptom of endometriosis, endometrial cells can appear in other parts of the body, but an "endometrial stripe" refers to endometrial tissue in the uterus. This tissue changes naturally as women age and progress through various reproductive stages.

What Is the Function of Endometrium?

The endometrium is the uterine lining. During the reproductive years, it is one of the few organs in the human body that undergoes monthly changes in size. During the menstrual cycle, the body prepares the endometrium to house an embryo every month. During the procedure, the endometrial thickness increases and decreases. These cycles of endometrial growth and shedding; if a pregnancy does not develop, are triggered by two hormones- estrogen and progesterone.

What Is Normal Endometrial Thickness?

The normal range of thickness varies depending on a person's stage of life-

1. Childhood- The endometrial stripe appears as a thin line before puberty. It might not yet be ultrasound detectable in some circumstances.

2. Premenopausal Female- In women of reproductive age, the thickness and width of the endometrial stripe change according to the stage of their menstrual cycle. The stripe's width can vary from a little under 1 mm to slightly more than 16 mm. It all depends on the stage of her menstrual cycle when the measurement is taken.

• 2 mm to 4 mm during the periods.

• 5 mm to 7 mm in the initial proliferative stage.

• Up to 11 mm during the late proliferative phase.

• Up to 16 mm in the secretory phase.

3. Pregnancy- When a pregnancy develops, a fertilized egg will implant into the endometrium at its thickest point. An endometrial stripe of about 2 millimeters or more may be visible during early pregnancy imaging tests. In a typical pregnancy, the fetus will dwell in the endometrial stripe. A gestational sac and placenta will eventually cover the stripe.

4. Postpartum- Postpartum, the endometrial stripe is thicker than usual. This is due to the possibility of blood clots and residual tissue remaining after delivery. After 24 % of pregnancies, these remnants are visible. After a cesarean delivery, they become especially prevalent. Upon the resumption of the period cycle, the endometrial stripe should resume its typical cycle of thinning and thickening.

5. Postmenopausal- Following menopause, the endometrium's thickness stabilizes. The average stripe is thinner than 5 mm in menopausal women who still experience irregular vaginal bleeding. An endometrial stripe of 4 mm or more is thought to be a sign of endometrial cancer in women who are no longer bleeding vaginally.

How Is Endometrial Thickness Measured?

The most popular method for assessing endometrium thickness is ultrasound. It is the approach that medical professionals employ initially, particularly if a patient has reported unusual vaginal bleeding. Doctors use MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) when an ultrasound is unsuitable, often due to a person's uterus position or other medical issues.

What Are the Symptoms of Abnormal Endometrial Lining?

The following are the most typical symptoms of excessive endometrial thickness:

• Extremely heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.

• An irregular menstrual cycle lasts less than three weeks or longer than 38 days.

• Spotting between periods.

• Bleeding after menopause.

• Difficulty in getting pregnant.

• People with pelvic pain of unknown etiology should seek medical attention for a diagnosis and to rule out endometrial cancer. Bloating and a feeling of fullness in the stomach without eating much food are also some of the warning signs.

• A woman with a thin endometrial lining may experience painful sex, pelvic pain at various times throughout the month, missed periods, or no menstruation.

What Causes Abnormally Thick Endometrial Lining?

Thick endometrial tissue is not a cause for alarm unless a woman exhibits unusual symptoms. A thick endometrial stripe may occasionally be an indication of-

• Endometrial Hyperplasia- When endometrial glands accelerate the tissue's growth, it results in endometrial hyperplasia. On rare occasions, endometrial hyperplasia turns into malignancy. This disorder is more common in women who have had menopause.

• Fibroids- The endometrium can become attached to uterine fibroids and appear thicker. Up to 80 % of women experience fibroids before the age of 50, making them a very common condition.

• Polyps- Endometrial polyps are uterine tissue anomalies. On a sonogram, the endometrium looks thicker due to these polyps. Polyps are typically not harmful. Endometrial polyps have a small chance of developing into cancer.

• Use of Tamoxifen- A drug called Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer. Early menopause and alterations in endometrium thickness and thinning are typical side effects.

• Endometrial Cancer- The American Cancer Society states that the endometrial cells are the primary site of initiation for almost all uterine cancers. An early cancer sign could be an abnormally thick endometrium. Other signs and symptoms include irregular discharge after menopause, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, and heavy, frequent, or irregular bleeding.

What Causes Abnormally Thin Endometrial Lining?

Thin endometrial tissue is usually not a problem unless a woman exhibits unusual symptoms. A thin endometrial stripe may occasionally be an indication of-

• Endometrial Atrophy- Endometrial atrophy is a condition caused by low estrogen levels. This is frequently related to the beginning of menopause. In younger women, hormonal imbalances, eating disorders, and autoimmune diseases can all cause atrophy. Low estrogen levels can prevent the endometrial tissue from thickening enough for an egg to implant.

• Menopause- During and after menopause, the endometrium will stop thinning and thickening every month.

What Is the Treatment for Abnormal Endometrial Thickness?

1. Progestin hormone (that prevents ovulation) and hysterectomy are two treatment options for excessive endometrial thickness.

2. According to studies, low endometrial thickness readings are associated with a more challenging pregnancy progression. Some possible remedies for a thin endometrium are-

• Estrogen therapy.

• Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)- which the placenta produces after an embryo implants in the uterus wall.

• Drugs and supplements to increase blood flow.

3. Research shows, however, that these treatments are not always successful.

Conclusion:

Women who are trying to get pregnant can learn how to maximize their chances of conception by paying attention to endometrial thickness. Throughout a person's life, changes in endometrial thickness are typical. But if someone experiences unusual bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, or other changes in how their body feels, they should see a doctor for the right kind of care. Endometrial cancer, however, has a good prognosis if detected early.