Uterine hyperplasia

Uterine hyperplasia
Synonyms	Endometrial hyperplasia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Abnormal uterine bleeding, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia
Complications	Endometrial cancer
Onset	Perimenopause or postmenopause
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Estrogen excess, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormone replacement therapy
Risks	Obesity, nulliparity, early menarche, late menopause, family history of endometrial cancer
Diagnosis	Endometrial biopsy, transvaginal ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	Endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis
Prevention	Weight management, progestin therapy, oral contraceptives
Treatment	Progestin therapy, hysterectomy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, risk of progression to endometrial cancer if untreated
Frequency	Common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
Deaths	N/A

Uterine hyperplasia is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. This condition is often caused by an excess of estrogen without progesterone. If left untreated, uterine hyperplasia can lead to endometrial cancer.

Causes

Uterine hyperplasia is often caused by an imbalance in the hormones, specifically an excess of estrogen without progesterone. This can occur due to several reasons including menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome, and obesity. Certain medications, such as those used for hormone therapy, can also lead to uterine hyperplasia.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of uterine hyperplasia is abnormal menstruation. This can include heavy or prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after menopause. Other symptoms can include pelvic pain and pressure, and increased frequency of urination.

Diagnosis

Uterine hyperplasia is typically diagnosed through a series of tests. These can include a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and an endometrial biopsy. The biopsy is the most definitive test, as it allows for the examination of the endometrial tissue under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for uterine hyperplasia depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Options can include hormonal therapy, such as progesterone, to balance out the excess estrogen. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

Prevention

While it may not be possible to prevent uterine hyperplasia in all cases, maintaining a healthy weight and managing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome can help reduce the risk. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can also help catch the condition early, before it progresses to endometrial cancer.