The endometrium is a tissue that covers the entire inner lining of the uterus and its thickness varies during the menstrual cycle, depending on the concentration of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in the blood.
In the endometrium, where embryo implantation occurs, the onset of the embargo, but for this to happen, the endometrium must be of the ideal thickness and show no signs of disease, when fertilization does not occur, this matrix of the uterus is released generating what is called menstruation.
- These changes occur monthly.
- In all women of childbearing potential.
- Characterizing the phases of the menstrual cycle:.
After menstruation, the endometrium is completely peeled and scratched to increase its size, this phase becomes proliferative and, during this period, estrogen promotes the release of cells that increase their thickness, as well as blood vessels and exocrine glands.
In the secretion phase, which occurs during the fertile period, estrogen and progesterone allow the endometrium to have all the nutrients necessary for embryo implantation and nutrition; if the embryo is able to fall into the endometrium, there is even a trace of blood left, and the woman may notice a pink “redness” or “ground coffee” during her fertile day, but in fertilization, after a few days, go to menstruation.
If after the fertile period, when the endometrium was thicker in the fertilization center, this tissue will now enter its menstrual phase and decrease in thickness due to the sudden drop of hormones in the bloodstream and the reduction of blood supply. . These changes prevent the endometrium from loosening well from the uterine wall, resulting in bleeding we experience during menstruation.
The endometrium may be evaluated by gynecological imaging tests, such as pelvic ultrasound, colposcopy, and MRI, for example, that allow the gynecologist to detect signs of disease or alteration of this tissue.
He’s not talking about routine gynecological exams
The ideal endometrium to become pregnant is one that measures about 8 mm and is in the secretory phase, because the endometrium is atrophic, that is, one that measures less than 6 mm, is not capable of allowing the baby to develop. The cause of endometrial delicacy is a lack of progesterone, but this can also occur due to the use of contraception, the baby’s uterus and injuries after performing an abortion or curettage.
The minimum thickness for direct shipping is 8 mm and the ideal thickness is about 18 mm. In women where they do not occur naturally, your doctor may indicate the use of hormone drugs such as progesterone or didrogen to increase the thickness of the endometrium, thus facilitating the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
The reference thickness of the endometrium after menopause is 5 mm, which can be seen on a transvaginal ultrasound, at this stage, when the thickness is greater than 5 mm, your doctor will order a number of other tests to evaluate at best and be aware of other signs that may reveal possible diseases such as endometrial cancer , the presence of endometrial polyps, hyperplasia or adenomyosis.
Endometrial disease can be mistreated and controlled through the use of hormones or in some cases surgery, medical supervision is critical to prevent this type of disease from progressing and complicate, maintaining uterine health and increasing the risk of falling under pressure.
The most common diseases in this tissue are
Polyps located in the endometrial region are benign and easily identifiable because they generate symptoms such as loss of bleeding before the menstrual period that makes pregnancy difficult; this change is most common after menopause and usually occurs in women taking medications such as tamoxifen.
Most of the time, this disease is discovered through an ultrasound that shows an increase in thickness, treatment is provided by the gynecologist but can be done by removing the polyps by surgery, especially if the woman is young and wants to be managed, but in many cases it is not necessary to perform surgery, do not take hormonal medications , keep track of 6 to 6 months to check for any changes.
Learn more about endometrial polyps
Increased endometrial thickness is called endometrial hyperplasia, although from the age of 40, its main symptom is bleeding from menstruation and can be seen on a transvaginal ultrasound.
There are several types of endometrial hyperplasia and not all are cancer-related, their treatment may include hormone drugs, liking surgery, in the most serious cases.
Learn more about the types and treatment of endometrial hyperplasia
Adenomyosis occurs when tissue within the uterine walls increases in size, causing symptoms such as heavy bleeding during menstruation and cramping that make women’s lives difficult each month; its causes are not quite known and can occur after the embargo.
Treatment may be done by ingestion of contraceptives, IUDs or surgery to remove the uterus, in the most severe cases, when symptoms are very disturbing and when there is a contraindication for the use of hormonal drugs.
He knows more about adenomyosis
The disease is the most common affecting endometrium and endometrial cancer, this can be easily discovered because its main symptom is bleeding due to menstruation, in the case of women who have given birth to menopause and do not have the period, the symptom is immediately noticeable. .
For those who have not called menopause, the main symptom is increased blood loss during menstruation, it is necessary to closely monitor these signs and immediately assist a gynecologist, since the problem is diagnosed earlier, the greater the chances of recovery.
Endometriosis is a very painful syndrome in which the endometrium grows in other areas of the abdomen and can occur in the ovaries, in the intestine. This situation generates symptoms such as severe pelvic pain, very abundant periods and even infertility. He knows more.