Thickened endometrial lining - could the HRT have caused this?

Hi I started taking combined HRT a year ago, 2 pumps oestrogel and 1 progesterone tablet. This was 2 years after my periods stopped at age 55. Every month since taking the HRT I've had at least one bleed very similar to a period, all the same symptoms etc and lasts about 5 days. Nurses from my surgery monitored me and last month decided I needed a scan as the bleeding hasn't stopped(they had also increased my progesterone but this hadn't stopped the bleeding). I turned up at my appointment expecting an external ultrasound so was completely unprepared for the internal one. As my lining was 5.2 I agreed for the dr to do the biopsy but having had no pain relief at all it was too painful (I've always found smears and internals painful) but for me this was too much so I'm being booked in for a general anaesthetic for the biopsy. I had no bleeding between my periods stopping and starting HRT, could the HRT have thickened the lining? They've also suggested a Mireno coil which I'm not keen on. I'm beginning to think I should never have started the HRT....

  • Hello Chandral, and thank you for posting,

    Having tests and waiting for them can be stressful, and it’s completely understandable to feel anxious.

    I’m sorry to hear that the biopsy was difficult for you and that you now need to have another one under anaesthetic. This must be difficult.

    A thickened womb can be caused by endometrial hyperplasia, which can happen for several reasons. Although we can’t say exactly what has caused this in your case, some factors can increase the risk, including oestrogen-only HRT, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and being overweight.

    A Mirena coil gradually releases progesterone into the uterus and is often used as a treatment because it can help thin the womb lining. If a coil isn’t suitable, progesterone tablets may be another option to discuss with your team.

    Once you have the biopsy, your hospital team will be able to give you clearer information about what this means for you and what the next steps might be.

    Please get back in touch if you have any further questions. If you would like to speak with one of our nurses, we’re available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on our freephone number: 0808 800 4040.

    Best wishes,

    Jemma