Endometrial hyperplasia

Excessive proliferation of endometrial cells, the uterus layer that detaches every month during menstruation. This affection is more frequently associated with over 45 years of age patients.

Usually it is produced by a hormonal imbalance between strogens and progesterone. It is more frequent in overweight women and/or diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The most frequent clinical manifestation is profuse menstrual bleeding and/or a prolonged one. It can lead to menstrual irregularity with short menstrual cycles (less than 21 days), with in-between menstruational bleeding and, even with postmenopause bleeding.

The diagnosis is based in an appropriate clinical history and a ginecologic exploration. It will be completed running complementary tests: transvaginal ultrasound where a thickened endometrium will be evidenced, an endometrial biopsy, also, a hysteroscopy that enables the visualisation of the uterine cavity.

The treatment will depend on the kind of hyperplasia, the patient's age and the desire for a future pregnancy. Treatment can range from hormonal treatment with tablets or intrauterine device (IUD) with progesterone, even the need to extract a culture from the uterus or hysterectomy, in those cases with major risk of developing endometrial cancer.