There are many diseases that specifically affect women. For this reason, they need to be much more attentive to health problems at all times. The reason these specific diseases exist is often linked to the reproductive system and the organs that make it up.

The uterus is a great example of this, as it is affected by various diseases such as endometriosis, cervical cancer, cervicitis, and also endometrial hyperplasia. Regarding the latter, it is one of the most complex diseases and, consequently, generates more doubts among women.

And that is exactly why here we will discuss its main causes, symptoms, and treatments. But before anything else, it is necessary to understand what endometrial hyperplasia actually is.

What is Endometrial Hyperplasia?

Endometrial hyperplasia is simply the thickening of the tissue that lines a woman’s uterus, known as the endometrium. This disease often appears when a woman is undergoing some type of hormonal treatment, since its causes are directly related to excess estrogen.

For this reason, it’s important to watch for symptoms and have tests during this type of treatment in order to detect any such problem.

Types of Endometrial Hyperplasia

There are 4 main types of endometrial hyperplasia. They are:

  • Simple Endometrial Hyperplasia
  • Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia
  • Focal Endometrial Hyperplasia
  • Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia

Let’s talk about each type so you can better understand how they affect a woman’s body.

Simple Endometrial Hyperplasia

This is the most common type and the simplest to treat. In this case, the thickening of the tissue occurs in a less severe way, making it possible to treat with medication and medical monitoring. Such follow-up should be done for 6 months to one year so that the disease is fully cured.

Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia

In severe cases, this type of hyperplasia can be associated with endometrial cancer. It lines the wall of the uterus in a way that gives it a “Swiss cheese” appearance, with some unfilled holes.

The treatment can also be done with medication and requires medical follow-up for up to one year until the disease is fully cured.

Focal Endometrial Hyperplasia

This type of hyperplasia is mainly characterized by narrowing of the uterus. This occurs because the endometrial tissue grows in a localized manner, extending through one layer.

Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia

This is the most severe type of endometrial hyperplasia. It occurs when the growth of endometrial tissue is out of control and can often be associated with endometrial cancer. Depending on the stage of the disease, removal of the uterus may be necessary.

It is important to emphasize that, although endometrial hyperplasia involves the growth of tissue in a woman’s body, it does not mean that it is cancer. Hyperplasia is a benign condition, since it is simply the body’s response to a hormonal stimulus, although there is a possibility that both conditions are linked.

What Are the Causes of Endometrial Hyperplasia?

As we have already mentioned, the main cause of the disease is linked to excessive exposure to estrogen. This can happen in some cases such as:

  • Treatments with Hormone-based Medications
  • History of Ovarian Tumor
  • Irregular Menstrual Cycle
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy

It’s important to note that the disease occurs because the body believes it needs to replace that tissue for some reason. It is a natural response and can often be managed, especially if detected early. Therefore, people who fit any of these cases should see a doctor and have regular exams to prevent more serious problems.

Main Symptoms of Endometrial Hyperplasia

The main symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia are:

  • Uterine Bleeding
  • Severe cramps and abdominal pain
  • Enlargement of the uterus
  • Narrowing of the uterus

Even though not all symptoms are easily detectable, attention should be paid especially to the first two, as they are strong indicators of the disease.

Diagnosis of Endometrial Hyperplasia

The diagnosis of the disease is mainly made through imaging exams such as a transvaginal ultrasound, since regular gynecological exams are not able to detect endometrial hyperplasia.

With the diagnosis in hand, the doctor can determine the type of hyperplasia and its level of severity, and then prescribe the appropriate treatment for each case.

Treatment of Endometrial Hyperplasia

Treatment varies according to the type of endometrial hyperplasia the woman has, as well as other factors such as age and whether the woman wants to get pregnant. Based on this information and the diagnosis, a doctor can prescribe medications that may be oral, intramuscular, or even intrauterine.

The treatment may last from 6 months to a year, depending on the severity of the disease. After finishing, a doctor will perform a biopsy to check if the results were successful.

It is still necessary to have a checkup every six months or annually to ensure the disease has not returned and that the woman’s uterus is healthy. This follow-up is essential to prevent the woman’s clinical condition from worsening abruptly and to avoid the development of other diseases.

Possible Complications

The two main complications of the disease are increased chances of endometrial and cervical cancer, as well as possible problems with getting pregnant. This is why it is ideal that post-treatment follow-up is done properly.

If a woman wishes to become pregnant after going through a case of endometrial hyperplasia, a stricter medical follow-up is needed. This does not mean that a woman who had the disease will necessarily have problems getting pregnant. In fact, it is expected that these problems will not occur, but because of the medical history, it is important to have prevention.

Dealing with certain diseases can be exhausting and may even complicate a woman’s life. However, once these diseases exist, it is necessary to know exactly how they develop and what are the best ways to treat them.

Don’t forget to always have a trusted doctor close by with whom you can talk and resolve all your doubts. Reading and researching is very important, but no one is better than your doctor for answering specific questions and reassuring you on various aspects of women’s diseases.

So always keep in mind that the fight against disease does not happen alone, but together with people you trust and who help you through this stage.

See Also: Thickened Endometrium – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
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