WHAT IS ENDOMETRIAL HYPERPLASIA?

An overgrowth of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus). This overgrowth can be localized or diffuse. This is not cancerous.

MOSTLY AFFECTS

Women over age 35.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Bleeding between normal menstrual periods.
• Heavy menstrual flow (saturating a sanitary pad once every hour).
• Bleeding after menopause.
• Pain during menstruation.

CAUSES

Excessive estrogen, a female hormone. This is caused internally or from the use of hormone-containing medications. Endometrial hyperplasia rarely occurs in women who have a normal menstrual cycle.

RISK INCREASES WITH

Use of oral contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy after menopause.

HOW TO PREVENT

No specific preventive measures.

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES

• Typical symptoms.
• History and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory tests, such as blood tests of hormone levels and Pap smear.
• D & C (dilatation and curettage) to obtain tissue for microscopic/histopathologic examination in order to rule out malignancy

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Perforation of the uterus and peritonitis as a complication of surgery (rare).
• Excessive, uncontrollable bleeding.

PROBABLE OUTCOME

Often curable with D & C (Dilatation and curettage) or hysterectomy. If a woman chooses not to have surgery, hormone therapy usually controls symptoms.

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

• Try to reduce psychological stress that can complicate your illness and delay your recovery. If you can't resolve the stress, ask for help from family, friends or competent counselors.
• Use heat to relieve pain. Place a heating pad or hot-water bottle on abdomen or back.
• Take frequent hot baths to relax muscles and relieve discomfort. Sit in a tub of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) is sometimes recommended.

MEDICATION

• If the D & C does not relieve symptoms and you don't want a hysterectomy, your doctor will probably prescribe progesterone, another female hormone.

• Avoid aspirin, it may increase bleeding.

ACTIVITY

No restrictions unless you have surgery. Then resume your activities gradually.

Ask your doctor about resuming sexual relations following surgery or D & C. Don't hesitate to discuss this--it is an important part of your life.

DIET

No special diet.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY, IF

• You have symptoms suggestive of endometrial hyperplasia.
• The following symptoms occur during hormone treatment or after surgery or D & C:
• Excessive bleeding (saturating more than 1 pad or tampon every hour).
• Signs of infection, such as fever, general ill feeling, headache, dizziness or muscle aches.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Hormones used in treatment may produce side effects.