In normal menstrual cycles, stimulation with estrogen is balanced by progesterone produced after ovulation. But when there is prolonged exposure to estrogen, without sufficient progesterone, endometrial hyperplasia can occur. The most common cause is persistent lack of ovulation, but hyperplasia can also occur when excess estrogen is produced by the body or when estrogen supplements are taken without progesterone. Atypical hyperplasia is considered a precancerous condition. Roughly 30 percent of women with atypical hyperplasia will develop uterine cancer, but this happens slowly and may take more than 5 years.
Endometrial hyperplasia can affect the entire uterine lining or only scattered areas.
Medical treatment is often considered in young women or those who wish to preserve their fertility. This thins the lining of the uterus, but can also bring on sudden symptoms of menopause -like mood swings, night sweats or hot flashes. Another option is treatment with high doses of progesterone, which blocks the growth of the lining and may treat the precancerous cells. If the atypical cells persist, hysterectomy should be considered. Shop O2 .