Atrophic Endometrium

Synonyms/Description

Endometrial atrophy

Etiology

Endometrial atrophy is most often the result of postmenopausal status, although it may also occur in premenopausal women with lack of estrogen from other etiologies.

Ultrasound Findings

A very thin endometrial echo is characteristic of atrophic endometrium. This occurs primarily in postmenopausal or anovulatory women. Often the endometrium is so thin it is reflective of sound waves, such that it looks like a continuous line. An atrophic endometrium measures less than 4 mm, but is more commonly 1 to 2 mm in width. In postmenopausal women there can occasionally be a small amount of fluid in the cavity outlining a paper-thin endometrial lining. This is usually transudate associated with cervical stenosis and not associated with pathology.