Endometrial Hyperplasia: What It Is, Types, and How It Is Diagnosed

You saw the words "endometrial hyperplasia" in your ultrasound report and want to understand what they mean. Take a breath: this is an overgrowth of normal cells of the lining of the uterus, not a death sentence. Below we explain how this condition works, what forms it takes, and how it is clarified.

What endometrial hyperplasia is and why it is called uterine hyperplasia

The endometrium is the inner mucous lining of the body of the uterus, richly supplied with blood vessels. It is a hormone-sensitive tissue: in the last phase of the menstrual cycle it thickens and becomes richer in glands and blood as it prepares for embryo implantation. If implantation does not occur, most of the endometrium is shed during menstruation, and the cycle begins anew. In hyperplasia, the normal cells of the inner lining grow excessively. Because this concerns the body of the uterus, people commonly say "uterine hyperplasia" — essentially it is the same condition.

Causes and risk factors

Uterine diseases, including endometrial hyperplasia, may be associated with hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, fibroids, polyps, and infection; these are general factors for uterine diseases as a whole rather than proven causes of hyperplasia specifically. Some uterine conditions are benign and some are malignant, so the nature of the overgrowth is always clarified. Uterine cancer is considered separately; it most often arises from the endometrium and is most common in women after menopause.

Types: glandular, focal, adenomatous, with and without atypia

Different wordings appear in reports, and their meaning is explained by the doctor. Endometrial hyperplasia is an overgrowth of normal cells of the inner lining of the uterus. Uterine diseases can be benign or malignant.

Symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia

The first sign of a uterine problem is abnormal bleeding: between periods, very heavy, or noticeably longer than usual. Bloody discharge after sex and pelvic pain are also possible.

• Bleeding between periods
• Very heavy periods
• Unusually long periods
• Bloody discharge after sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain

How it is diagnosed: ultrasound, hysteroscopy, biopsy

To find the cause of the symptoms, the doctor asks about complaints and health history, performs a gynecological examination, and may order blood tests and imaging studies. The doctor may order pelvic ultrasound, hysteroscopy, or biopsy.

Endometrial hyperplasia in menopause, risks, and when to see a doctor

Uterine cancer is more common in women after menopause, and any symptoms should be checked as early as possible — this makes treatment easier. In uterine cancer, severity depends on the size of the tumor, its spread, and overall health. Do not try to interpret the report yourself — discuss it with a gynecologist.

Endometrial hyperplasia by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if the condition is life-threatening.

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: only a specialist can assess your situation as a whole.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer