You may have read in the press that The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) recently published national guidance on the management of endometrial hyperplasia. This is a condition where there is an overgrowth of the cells that line the womb that causes the womb to thicken. This often leads to vaginal bleeding that can be described as ‘abnormal’ because it is heavy and perhaps heavier than normal during menstruation. The bleeding associated with this condition can also occur between periods, at irregular times when a woman is on HRT, and it can also occur after the menopause. There are 2 types of endometrial hyperplasia; hyperplasia without atypia and atypical hyperplasia.
What is the Danger?
The danger of endometrial hyperplasia for some women is that it can develop into one of the most common gynaecological cancers, womb cancer. Figures quoted put the number of women diagnosed with this kind of cancer at 8,500 per year, with the number of women with endometrial hyperplasia thought to be around 25,000. Many women may be suffering from symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia but may not even know that they are and therefore will not have seen a medical professional to be diagnosed and treated. The problem here is that endometrial hyperplasia can be treated if it is caught early, and the risk of the development into womb cancer in many cases could therefore be avoided.
Risk Factors
Woman who are likely to be more at risk of suffering from endometrial hyperplasia are those who are older, those who have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) i.e. more body fat, those who have polycystic ovarian syndrome, or those who are using tamoxifen or are having HRT.
What to do
It is important therefore to look out for symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or discharge, particularly after the menopause. If you have been / are experiencing these kinds of symptoms it is well worth getting them checked out just to make sure.
CGynaecology
I offer the full range of office gynaecology including rapid sexual health screening, fertility management, polycystic ovaries and in one visit, I will be able to carry out assessments for pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. I am trained to carry out and treat major gynaecological conditions including endometriosis, investigation of treatment for polycystic ovaries, HRT, menopause, pelvic pain and pre-menstrual tension.
I also offer the NovaSure therapeutic treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding for women who have not responded to any medical (pill or Mirena coil) treatment.
