| Endometrial hyperplasia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Micrograph showing simple endometrial hyperplasia, where the gland-to-stroma ratio is preserved but the glands have an irregular shape and/or are dilated. Endometrial biopsy. H&E stain. | |
| Specialty | Gynaecology  |
Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition of excessive proliferation of the cells of the endometrium, or inner lining of the uterus.
Most cases of endometrial hyperplasia result from high levels of estrogens, combined with insufficient levels of the progesterone-like hormones which ordinarily counteract estrogen's proliferative effects on this tissue. This may occur in a number of settings, including obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, estrogen producing tumours (e.g. granulosa cell tumour) and certain formulations of estrogen replacement therapy.
Endometrial hyperplasia with atypia is a significant risk factor for the development or even co-existence of endometrial cancer, so careful monitoring and treatment of women with this disorder is essential.