What does it mean to have a thickened endometrium?

Aug 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, increased endometrial thickness may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during puberty, hormonal imbalances during the perimenopausal period, anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps, or adenomyosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, avoid excessive fatigue, and reduce the intake of spicy or cold foods.

Generally, thickened endometrium may be caused by hormonal fluctuations during puberty, hormonal imbalances during the perimenopausal period, anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometrial polyps, or adenomyosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty: During puberty, ovarian function is not yet mature, and estrogen secretion is unstable. Continuous stimulation of the endometrium can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, often manifesting as irregular menstrual cycles. No specific treatment is required; as ovarian function gradually matures with age, hormone levels stabilize, and endometrial thickness returns to normal. During this time, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding late nights, and reducing hormonal fluctuations are recommended.

2. Hormonal imbalances during the perimenopausal period: Ovarian function declines during the perimenopausal period, causing irregular and reduced estrogen secretion and insufficient progesterone production. The lack of progesterone opposition leads to persistent endometrial proliferation and abnormal thickness. Regular monitoring of endometrial thickness and hormone levels is necessary, along with maintaining emotional stability and avoiding anxiety.

3. Anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding: Long-term anovulation prevents normal progesterone secretion, resulting in continuous estrogen-induced endometrial proliferation, often accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstrual periods. Patients should follow medical advice to use hormonal medications such as dydrogesterone tablets, progesterone capsules, or norethisterone tablets to regulate hormone levels and promote endometrial shedding.

4. Endometrial polyps: Localized excessive endometrial growth forms polyps, increasing overall endometrial thickness and often accompanied by abnormal uterine bleeding. Small polyps can be managed with medications such as levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol tablets, or desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, as directed by a physician, to inhibit polyp growth.

5. Adenomyosis: Endometrial tissue invades the uterine muscle layer, leading to an enlarged uterus and thickened endometrium, often accompanied by dysmenorrhea and increased menstrual flow. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as triptolide capsules, danazol capsules, or leuprolide acetate microspheres to alleviate symptoms and reduce endometrial proliferation.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits in daily life is important, including avoiding excessive fatigue and reducing intake of spicy or cold foods. Menstrual hygiene should be emphasized, and strenuous exercise during menstruation should be avoided. Regular gynecological checkups are necessary to detect and address endometrial abnormalities promptly, thereby maintaining reproductive health.

View All

What is the normal thickness of the endometrium during the ovulation period?

Under normal circumstances, an endometrial thickness of 8-12 mm during the ovulation period is considered normal. It is important to regularly monitor whether the menstrual cycle is regular. If abnormalities such as unusual menstrual flow or prolonged menstruation occur, timely medical evaluation is necessary. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late, as this can affect hormone levels. Eat a balanced diet and reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods to provide a healthy environment for the endometrium.

View Full Answer

Why is my menstrual period delayed by more than ten days if I'm not pregnant?

Under normal circumstances, a menstrual delay of ten days or so without pregnancy may be caused by factors such as chronic mental anxiety, excessive dieting for weight loss, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperprolactinemia, thin endometrium, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, maintaining regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "daily routines") and avoiding excessive fatigue are advised in daily life.

View Full Answer

How long does it take for a fertilized egg to implant?

Under normal circumstances, it usually takes 6-8 days for the fertilized egg to complete implantation after its formation. The exact timing can be influenced by factors such as the development speed of the fertilized egg, fallopian tube function, and the condition of the endometrium. There may be slight individual variations, but most fall within this time range. In daily life, individuals preparing for pregnancy do not need to deliberately monitor the implantation timing, as excessive focus on it may instead increase psychological stress.

View Full Answer

What does it mean when a fertilized egg implants?

Under normal circumstances, embryo implantation refers to the process after fertilization, where the fertilized egg undergoes a certain period of cell division and development in the fallopian tube, subsequently entering the uterine cavity and finding a suitable location on the endometrium through a series of complex physiological processes. Additionally, it is important to maintain a positive mindset and avoid excessive anxiety during the implantation period; consumption of spicy and irritating foods should also be reduced.