Endometrial Hyperplasia is a condition where the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, becomes abnormally thick. It is usually caused when there is too much of the hormone estrogen, and too little progesterone. Progesterone is needed to shed the uterine lining, and if it’s not there, the uterine lining keeps growing. This overgrowth can lead to breakthrough bleeding, which can be mistaken for a menstruation. Women with PCOS are at high risk for endometrial hyperplasia. It is not cancer, but women with endometrial hyperplasia may be at an increased risk for endometrial cancer.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic. Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16569-atypical-endometrial-hyperplasia (accessed 1. August 2020)
- NHS UK. Womb (uterus) cancer. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/causes/ (accessed 1. August 2020)
- Urban R.R. et al. Management of endometrial hyperplasia. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-endometrial-hyperplasia (accessed 1. August 2020)
