Endometrial atrophy, or atrophy of the lining of the uterus, is simply atrophy. It can be a natural process resulting from the aging of the woman's body or it can be caused by gynecological diseases.

Endometrial atrophy , orendometrial atrophyis usually associated with physiological changes in the woman's body (menopause), although it can also be the result of a disease, medication or lifestyle.

In a young woman, the cyclical processes in the endometrium are regulated by hormones secreted by the ovaries, i.e. estrogens and progesterone. This allows the endometrium to renew regularly.

During the menopause, due to a deficiency of sex hormones, the endometrial glands gradually atrophy and the connective tissue begins to dominate. This is because there is no possibility of the cyclical growth and shedding of the uterine lining.

Usually, endometrial atrophy begins at the age of 45-47. years and lasts for about 10 years after your period has stopped.

Age-related endometrial atrophy

From the onset of the first menopausal symptoms to two years after the last menstruation (perimenopause), the inner layer of the uterus gradually loses its properties.

In the image of the endometrium, the doctor can see many changes, e.g. by performing a transvaginal ultrasound, but if they do not have any features of neoplastic changes, they are considered normal, especially when the woman is in the perimenopausal period.

When menstruation stops, the changes continue. But, it's worth remembering that the progression of the atrophy process depends on the state of the endometrium before menopause.

Changing the estrogen concentration also affects the condition of the vaginal flora. In menopausal women, the amount of lactobacilli that protects against infection is much lower, which can result in more frequent infections.

Endometrial atrophy can also cause injuries.

Disease-induced endometrial atrophy

Atrophy of the endometrium occurs not only for natural reasons, but can also be caused by many diseases. These include:

  • underdevelopment of gonads
  • pituitary tumors and hypothalamic tumors leading to insufficient stimulationuterine development in girls
  • malnutrition
  • severe stress
  • too intense physical exercise (especially strength sports)
  • high protein loss
  • depleted ovarian syndrome
  • hypoestrogenism
  • removal of ovaries for malignant tumors
  • chronic endometritis due to repeated abortions
  • curettage of the uterus

Endometrial atrophy can also be provoked by some medications, especially cytostatics.

Endometrial atrophy - symptoms

Symptoms of postmenopausal endometrial atrophy may be a reduction in the duration and intensity of menstrual bleeding until it disappears, infertility or miscarriage.

With simultaneous atrophy of the cervical mucosa and vaginal mucosa atrophy, pain during sexual intercourse and bleeding may occur.

Pain, however, is not a typical symptom of endometrial atrophy, because it is usually a non-inflammatory process. A typical symptom is vaginal dryness and nagging itching of the genitals.

Endometrial atrophy - treatment

Symptoms of endometrial atrophy can be alleviated. Long-acting, non-hormonal moisturizers are used.

If there are no contraindications, the doctor may suggest vaginally taking a small dose of hormones. With such therapy, the troublesome symptoms disappear after 1-3 months, but with time they may (most often) come back.

You can also use the laser regeneration of mucosa tissues. After the treatment, the tissues are more flexible and better moisturized, but you need to wait about three months for a noticeable improvement. Laser treatments are performed in private clinics, so you have to take into account the cost of several thousand zlotys. But practice shows that more and more women use such treatments because they appreciate the comfort of life and, most of all, do not want to give up satisfying intercourse.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Category:

Female diseases