There are a variety of causes that can lead to a thick uterine lining, including common occurrences such as menstruation or pregnancy. In some cases a thickened uterine lining can be caused by painful conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis and uterine fibroid that display symptoms that will require medical attention.
Overview of Thick Uterine Lining
A thickened uterine lining can be caused by a variety of conditions.
- During pregnancy the uterine walls will naturally thicken to accommodate the baby. This allows the body to protect the fetus as it grows in the womb while preventing infectious materials from affecting your growing child. This thickened lining is shed during menstruation when the body is not pregnant.
- Some women see their uterine lining thicken as they age.
- Thickened uterine lining may occur if they suffer from endometrium problems, such as endometriosis. These diseases cause the uterine walls to become thick, which can cause severe pain.
- Cancer, fibroids or polyps, however, can also cause the uterine walls to thicken.
- Some believe that certain sexual transmitting diseases increase the development of a thickened uterine lining, but these claims are largely unsubstantiated.
Medical Conditions Behind Thick Uterine Lining
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Endometrial hyperplasia causes an abnormal thickening of the endometrium in preparation for pregnancy. If the body is not pregnant then the body will attempt to shed this excess lining. In most cases this condition is noncancerous and is developed in those that are approaching menopause, but other conditions can cause this condition to appear.
| Symptoms | Causes | Risk Factors | Home Remedies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changes in periods Hot flashes Acne Dryness of the vagina Bleeding between menstrual periods Excess growth of body hair Missed periods Heavy bleeding during periods Mood swings Rapid heart rate Pain during intercourse Tenderness of the vagina Severe fatigue |
Chronic diseases Overgrowth of cells due to excessive amounts of estrogen Estrogen therapy Pregnancy |
Obesity Polycystic ovary syndrome Diabetes Menopause Estrogen therapy Missed periods |
Hormone releasing contraceptive, including birth control pills, rings and patch, as well as intrauterine device Hormone replacement therapy such as progestin or estrogen, including synthetic versions |
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes the endometrium tissue to grow outside the uterus. This displaced tissue will thicken, break down and then shed throughout the menstrual cycle just like the standard tissue inside the uterus. Because it is not in the proper location to be removed from the body, this excess tissue can become trapped, causing irritation, scar tissue or adhesions that can bind the organs together. This can affect your fertility and cause severe pain.
| Symptoms | Causes | Risk Factors | Home Remedies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain during intercourse Painful periods and cramping of the abdomen and lower back Pain during urination or bowel movements Infertility Excessive bleeding during and between periods Fatigue Nausea Constipation Diarrhea Bloating |
Retrograde menstruation Surgical scar implantation Embryonic cell growth Immune system disorder Endometrial cells transport through the lymphatic system |
History of pelvic infections Family history of endometriosis Never giving birth Uterine abnormalities Medical conditions that impair the passage of the menstruation |
Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including naproxen or ibuprofen Warm baths Application of heating pads during cramps Regular exercise |
Uterine Fibroid
Uterine fibroids often appear during the child bearing years, causing a rubbery, firm mass to appear and grow on the uterus. These can shrink during pregnancy, experience growth spurts and tend to vary in size and presence on the reproductive organs. As many as 3 of 4 women experience fibroids during their lifetime, though these rarely pose an additional risk such as cancer. Your doctor will often spot fibroids during a routine pelvic exam.
| Symptoms | Causes | Risk Factors | Home Remedies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelvic pain or pressure Prolonged menstrual periods, defined as bleeding for seven or more days Difficulty emptying the bladder Heavy menstrual bleeding Backache Leg pains Frequent urination |
An increase in hormones A genetic tendency Insulin like growth factor |
Identical twins Black women Hereditary disposition Menstruation at a young age Having much meat and alcohol Low intake of fruits and vegetables |
Apply heat to the lower abdomen Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen Lie down and elevate the legs Use pads rather than tampons Lie on your side and bring the knees to the chest Get more exercise |