Uterus thickening, often manifesting as endometrial hyperplasia, primarily results from a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance involves an excess of estrogen and/or insufficient progesterone. This hormonal disruption prevents the uterine lining from shedding completely each month, leading to a buildup and thickening.
Understanding Endometrial Hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition where the uterine lining (endometrium) becomes abnormally thick. Yale Medicine describes it as a precancerous condition, highlighting the irregular thickening and potential for uncomfortable symptoms. Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16569-atypical-endometrial-hyperplasia) further explains that this thickening often causes heavy or abnormal bleeding. The root cause, as stated by multiple sources, is the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone (https://www.verywellhealth.com/endometrial-hyperplasia-risk-factors-types-and-treatments-4067214, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometrial-hyperplasia, https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-about-endometrial-hyperplasia). Too much estrogen, and not enough progesterone, prevents the proper shedding of the uterine lining.
Other Contributing Factors
While hormonal imbalance is the key factor, other conditions can contribute to uterus thickening:
- Adenomyosis: This condition involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine lining, within the uterine muscle itself. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369138) The displaced tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during each menstrual cycle, potentially leading to an enlarged uterus and heavy bleeding.
Consequences of Uterus Thickening
A thickened uterine lining, especially in cases of endometrial hyperplasia, increases the risk of developing womb cancer (https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/womb-cancer/risks-causes). Therefore, it's crucial to seek medical attention if you experience abnormal uterine bleeding or suspect a hormonal imbalance.
