What Does Endometrial Thickness Of 12mm Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 20 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 Answered on

Thu, 9 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been bleeding for 22 days now. I had a transvaginal ultrasound that came back with no tumors, but showed that my endometrial lining is 12mm. Yesterday the doctor that was performing a biopsy seemed concerned about this. I am 49 and have had regular periods until now. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It can be a matter of concern.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us about it.

I can understand your concern here. Normal endometrial thickness varies from 4-16mm depending on the stage of menstrual cycle. In your case as you are bleeding since 21 days and endometrial thickness is 12 millimetre, it can be a subject of concern.

I would wait for biopsy result to rule out cancer and other causes of endometrial thickness such as fibroid, polyp, hormonal imbalance and PCOS.

Hope it is useful, feel free to ask more.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (3 days later)

Hello, my bleeding is slowing down now after 25 days of heaving bleeding. Does this mean that there is really nothing wrong? As I stated before my doctor is concerned that my endometrial thickness is 12mm and I've had a biopsy done, but am awaiting the results. She mentioned putting me on provera, but will I need that if my bleeding is stopping?

Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The cause should be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Sorry for the long delay in my response.

I can understand that now your bleeding is slowing down and you are thinking that there is no cause behind it.

But in my opinion, if you had bled so long, the cause should be ruled out and if you have persistent thickness of endometrium, then you should take provera ( because thickness can be due to unopposed action of estrogen).

Hope it is useful.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E