Clinical concept · Also: uterine lining

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds across the menstrual cycle.

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens and sheds across the menstrual cycle.

Also known as: uterine lining

The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. Under the influence of estrogen it thickens, and if pregnancy does not occur it sheds during menstruation.

Unopposed estrogen can overstimulate the endometrium, which is why a progestogen is added to estrogen therapy in women who have a uterus.

Related terms

Progesterone

A hormone released after ovulation that prepares and protects the uterine lining.

Endometrial hyperplasia

An abnormal thickening of the uterine lining, often from estrogen without enough progesterone.

Endometrial biopsy

An office procedure that samples the uterine lining to evaluate abnormal bleeding.

HRT

Treatment that replaces estrogen (with a progestogen if the uterus is present) for menopause symptoms.

Source

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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