Normal Uterine Thickness After Menopause

Normal uterine thickness changes after menopause. Before menopause, thickness of the uterine lining increases from 1 to 3 mm to 16 mm, then sheds as the new cycle begins. For most postmenopausal women, the lining of the uterus should be 4 to 5 mm thick.

HRT and the Uterine Lining

• While normal uterine thickness averages 4 to 5 mm after menopause, women who receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may have linings up to 8 mm thick.

Concerns

• If your uterine lining is thicker than 5 mm and you are not on HRT, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out various medical conditions.

Significance

• Uterine linings thicker than 5 mm may indicate abnormal cell growth (hyperplasia) or endometrial cancer.

Diagnosis

• Your physician will determine your uterine thickness with an ultrasound. If uterine thickness is abnormal, your doctor will schedule an endometrial biopsy to rule out abnormal cell growth or cancer.

Warning

• If you have vaginal bleeding and are postmenopausal, see your physician for further evaluation. It may be an indication of a more serious condition.