What are the effects of a thin uterus?
Thin uterus usually refers to a uterine endometrial layer that is thinner than the normal range. In general, a thin uterus may lead to menstrual abnormalities, reduced fertility, intrauterine adhesions, endometritis, and impaired fetal development. The specific effects are analyzed as follows:
1. Menstrual Abnormalities
When the endometrium is too thin, the amount of shed endometrial tissue decreases, which may result in lighter menstrual flow. In severe cases, it may even lead to amenorrhea, thereby affecting a woman's normal daily life.
2. Reduced Fertility
A thin uterine wall can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant, thus reducing the chances of conception. Even if implantation occurs successfully, inadequate support from the thin uterine wall may lead to early miscarriage or recurrent miscarriage, negatively impacting fertility.
3. Intrauterine Adhesions
Damaged endometrium is prone to becoming thinner, which can easily lead to fibrous tissue proliferation and subsequently cause intrauterine adhesions. These adhesions may not only cause symptoms such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and hypomenorrhea (reduced menstrual bleeding), but may also further impair fertility, potentially leading to infertility.
4. Endometritis
A thin uterine wall makes the endometrium more susceptible to bacterial infection, increasing the risk of endometritis. Under stimulation by inflammatory factors, the endometrium may exhibit pathological changes such as congestion, edema, and exudation, leading to symptoms including lower abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and irregular menstruation.
5. Impaired Fetal Development
A thin uterine wall may prevent the endometrium from providing sufficient nutrients and oxygen to the embryo, thereby affecting normal fetal development. Even if the embryo implants successfully, it may suffer from growth restriction, ultimately resulting in low birth weight or developmental delays.
Women with a thin endometrium should consume more foods rich in estrogen, such as soy products, chicken, lamb, and honey, as these foods can help promote endometrial growth and repair.