If you’ve heard doctors mention a “thick uterine lining” or “endometrial hyperplasia,” they’re talking about uterine lining overgrowth. In plain terms, the inner wall of the uterus (the endometrium) gets thicker than it should. This can happen for several reasons and may cause spotting, irregular periods, or even pain.
Hormones are the main drivers. Estrogen tells the lining to grow each month, while progesterone tells it to shrink after ovulation. When estrogen stays high or progesterone is low, the lining keeps building up. Common triggers include:
In a few cases, the overgrowth can be a warning sign of early‑stage cancer, so getting it checked early matters.
Most people notice something isn’t right when they get:
If any of these stick around for a couple of months, book an appointment. Doctors usually start with a pelvic exam and an ultrasound. The scan shows how thick the lining is; anything over about 12‑14 mm after a period can be a red flag. They might also take a small tissue sample (a biopsy) to rule out precancerous cells.
When the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment depends on why the lining is thick and whether you want to preserve fertility.
Follow‑up appointments are key. Even after treatment, doctors like to check the lining every 6‑12 months to make sure it stays normal.
Bottom line: uterine lining overgrowth isn’t something to ignore, but it’s also not a death sentence. Simple hormone tweaks, lifestyle changes, or low‑risk procedures can keep things under control. If you’ve got irregular bleeding or any of the symptoms above, reach out to your healthcare provider—early action makes treatment easier and more effective.
Learn how endometrial hyperplasia causes the uterine lining to thicken, its hormonal triggers, cancer risk, diagnosis, and treatment options in clear, practical terms.
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