What are the symptoms of thickened endometrium?

Jul 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Endometrial thickening is a common gynecological issue, with primary symptoms including abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular menstruation, increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, and pelvic discomfort. These symptoms may have a certain impact on women's quality of life and health. Patients are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, balanced nutrition, and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress in daily life.

Endometrial thickening is a common gynecological issue, with primary symptoms including abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular menstruation, increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, and pelvic discomfort. These symptoms may affect a woman's quality of life and health. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Endometrial thickening may cause bleeding outside the menstrual period or postmenopausal bleeding. This bleeding may appear as light spotting or heavier flow, sometimes even resembling a regular menstrual period. The bleeding occurs because the thickened endometrium causes rupture of blood vessels.

2. Irregular menstruation: Patients may experience shortened menstrual cycles, prolonged cycles, or intermenstrual bleeding. This is because endometrial thickening affects the normal regulatory mechanisms of the menstrual cycle, preventing timely shedding of the endometrium.

3. Increased menstrual flow: Significantly heavier menstrual bleeding is a common symptom of endometrial thickening. The increased bleeding results from the excessive thickness of the endometrium, which leads to greater blood loss during shedding. Patients may find it necessary to change sanitary pads or tampons more frequently.

4. Prolonged menstrual periods: The duration of menstruation may be extended. Normal menstruation typically lasts 3–7 days, but in patients with endometrial thickening, menstrual bleeding may persist for 10 days or longer. This occurs because the thickened endometrium cannot shed completely within the usual timeframe, prolonging the bleeding period.

5. Pelvic discomfort: Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area, especially during menstruation or after sexual intercourse. This pain is caused by local congestion, edema, or inflammatory response resulting from endometrial thickening.

Patients are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, ensure a balanced diet, and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress. Additionally, regular gynecological examinations are recommended to promptly detect and manage endometrial thickening.

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What causes a thickened endometrium?

In general, thickened endometrium may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the perimenopausal period, prolonged unopposed estrogen stimulation, endometritis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometrial polyps, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgery, or other appropriate methods.

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What causes a thickened endometrium?

In general, a thickened endometrium may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the reproductive years, hormonal imbalances during the perimenopausal transition, endometrial simple hyperplasia, endometrial complex hyperplasia, endometrial polyps, or other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. Daily attention should be given to menstrual hygiene, including frequent changing of sanitary products and avoiding excessive fatigue during menstruation.

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What should I do about a thickened endometrium?

In general, thickened endometrium may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the reproductive years, ovarian function decline during perimenopause, simple endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial polyps, adenomyosis of the uterus, and other related factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, or other appropriate methods.

View Full Answer

What causes a thickened endometrium?

In general, thickened endometrium may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during the reproductive years, incomplete regulation after puberty, endometrial hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian tumors, and other factors. If menstrual irregularities or abnormal vaginal bleeding occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid excessive fatigue.