What is uterine atrophy?

Jul 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, uterine atrophy may be caused by factors such as decreased hormone levels after menopause, prolonged infertility after childbirth, premature ovarian failure, pituitary tumors, or following radiotherapy for cervical cancer. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a physician's guidance. Additionally, maintaining reproductive system health, undergoing regular gynecological ultrasound examinations, and promptly identifying abnormalities in uterine size are important in daily care.

Generally, uterine atrophy may be caused by factors such as decreased hormone levels after menopause, prolonged non-pregnancy after childbirth, premature ovarian failure, pituitary tumors, and radiation therapy for cervical cancer. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the cause and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Decline in hormone levels after menopause: Ovarian function declines after menopause, leading to a sharp decrease in estrogen secretion. The uterus gradually atrophies due to lack of hormonal support, which is a normal physiological phenomenon accompanied by menstrual cessation, hot flashes, and night sweats. It is advisable to consume more soybeans, black beans, and other foods rich in phytoestrogens in daily diet, engage in appropriate physical exercise to improve physical condition, and maintain regular sleep patterns.

2. Prolonged non-pregnancy after childbirth: Long-term absence of pregnancy demands after childbirth may lead to reduced ovarian ovulation and weakened estrogenic stimulation to the uterus, potentially causing mild atrophy, which often presents without significant symptoms. If planning for pregnancy, regular sexual activity and ovulation monitoring can increase the chance of conception. No special treatment is required, as the uterus can return to its normal size after pregnancy.

3. Premature ovarian failure: Ovarian function declines before age 40, resulting in insufficient estrogen secretion and premature uterine atrophy, accompanied by amenorrhea, infertility, and decreased libido. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as estradiol valerate tablets, conjugated estrogens tablets, and progesterone soft capsules to supplement hormones, maintain uterine morphology, avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, and protect ovarian function.

4. Pituitary tumor: Reduced secretion of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland affects ovarian function and results in insufficient estrogen synthesis, leading to uterine atrophy accompanied by menstrual disorders and breast galactorrhea. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as bromocriptine mesylate tablets or cabergoline tablets to inhibit tumor growth. If the tumor is large, surgical removal of the pituitary tumor may be required to restore pituitary function, improve hormone secretion, and alleviate uterine atrophy.

5. Radiation therapy for cervical cancer: Radiotherapy damages ovarian tissue, causing a sudden drop in estrogen secretion, leading to uterine atrophy due to lack of hormonal support, accompanied by vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. Under medical guidance, patients may use estrogen supplements locally, such as estradiol gel or conjugated estrogens cream, to alleviate symptoms related to uterine atrophy and undergo regular gynecological examinations to monitor the status of the reproductive system.

Daily attention should be paid to reproductive system health, with regular gynecological ultrasound examinations to promptly detect abnormalities in uterine size. For pathological uterine atrophy, active treatment of the underlying disease is necessary, following medical advice for medication use to maintain stable hormone levels.

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