What are the symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia?

Endometrial hyperplasia means that the lining of the womb has become thicker than expected because its cells are growing more than usual. The lining may shed unevenly, causing heavy, prolonged, irregular, or breakthrough bleeding. Bleeding after menopause is also possible. Some people have no symptoms and the change is found during an investigation for another reason. Hyperplasia is not the same as womb cancer, but certain forms can carry a higher risk of developing into cancer, so the tissue pattern matters. Symptoms alone cannot distinguish the types.

Arrange a medical review for heavy periods, repeated bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause. A clinician may review medicines and hormonal history, perform an examination, and arrange ultrasound or a sample of the womb lining. The result helps guide monitoring or treatment. Options may include a hormonal coil or hormone therapy; surgery such as hysterectomy is considered in selected circumstances, while radical hysterectomy is used for particular cancer operations rather than as a routine response to bleeding.

Seek prompt assessment for bleeding after menopause or a new, persistent change in menstrual bleeding. Seek urgent help for very heavy bleeding with faintness, dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or severe weakness. Do not assume that bleeding is simply a normal cycle change when the pattern has altered.

Ask whether you need an ultrasound or womb-lining sample, what type of hyperplasia is present, and how it will be followed. Discuss whether a hormonal coil or hormone therapy fits your situation, how treatment affects fertility, and which bleeding changes should prompt earlier review.