What to expect from a hormonal coil for endometrial hyperplasia

A hormonal coil is placed inside the womb and releases progestogen near the endometrium, the lining of the womb. This can reduce the hormonal stimulation that allows the lining to become too thick. Your clinician will confirm whether this treatment suits the type of hyperplasia and your plans for pregnancy.

Cramping and light bleeding can occur after insertion. Spotting or unpredictable bleeding may continue while the body adjusts, and periods may become lighter or stop. Follow-up may include an examination, ultrasound or a sample of the womb lining, depending on your diagnosis and response.

Use pain relief only as advised, keep follow-up appointments and note bleeding patterns, pelvic pain, fever or unusual discharge. Check how and when to feel for the coil threads, and contact the clinic if you cannot feel them or feel hard plastic.

Tell the clinician if you want to become pregnant, have severe headaches, mood changes or new breast symptoms. The coil does not remove the need to investigate persistent bleeding, so report bleeding that is heavy, prolonged or returns after improving.

Seek prompt medical advice for severe or worsening pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, very heavy bleeding, dizziness or a positive pregnancy test. Urgent assessment is needed for fainting, severe abdominal pain or sudden heavy bleeding.

Ask why a hormonal coil is recommended, how insertion will work, how long irregular bleeding may be expected, which follow-up sample or scan is planned, how pregnancy plans affect treatment and what to do if the coil moves.