In most cases, the hormone estrogen regulates the growth of the uterine lining, or endometrium, causing it to grow and thicken in preparation for potential pregnancy. Sometimes, however, the body produces an excess of estrogen or women take estrogen as a hormonal supplement, and this causes the endometrium to grow too much, filling the uterine cavity and leading to menstrual and reproductive difficulties. Common symptoms of women suffering from endometrial hyperplasia include irregular uterine bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia), unusually heavy periods (menorrhagia), or both. The lack of space and abnormal growth patterns of the endometrium, as well as the excessive hormonal levels that lead to this, can cause infertility. These symptoms can be associated with other reproductive disorders, as well, and it is important to seek diagnosis from a doctor or health care practitioner
Endometrial hyperplasia can be diagnosed using several tests. Since the overgrowth of the endometrium is usually quite pronounced, sometimes folding back on itself or growing in frond-like patterns, visual means of diagnosis are often sufficient. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus, and a hysteroscopy involves the insertion of a small tube with a camera on it into the uterus. Doctors may also want to take a tissue sample, (biopsy) of the endometrium or perform a procedure called a D & C (dilation and curettage) to loosen and remove a sample of the uterine lining.
