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£99
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£89
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What's included in the Endometrial Thickness Scan
Measure & assess endometrial thickness
Detect presence and position of an intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD / IUD / Coil).
A pelvic scan is better suited for certain situations and will be replaced if required - Please speak to customer care team for more information
Formal written ultrasound report in 24 hours
Expert Care by HCPC & GMC Clinicians
About the Endometrial Thickness Scan
Endometrial Thickness Ultrasound
The endometrium is a layer of tissues that form the lining of the uterus (womb). It comprises an epithelial layer of the uterus, along with its mucous membrane, which has a functional layer. The lining that thickens and sheds during menstruation is a functional layer of the endometrium. Humans shed endometrium during menstrual cycles. The normal thickness of the endometrium changes throughout a person’s life from childhood through to sexual maturity, fertile years and after menopause.
An endometrial thickness ultrasound examines the appearance and measures the thickness of the womb lining. Examining the womb lining helps your healthcare provider follow the changes within your uterus. Endometrial thickness ultrasound also plays a crucial role in fertility treatment and planning, helping your fertility specialist decide on the type of treatment and medications to use for optimal outcomes.
Changes in endometrial thickness can be due to various disorders, so your doctor might request an endometrial thickness scan to check. Some of the disorders that cause a change in the endometrial thickness range include cancer and pre-cancerous factors like endometrial, ovarian, vaginal and cervical cancers, hormone factors like hyperthyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism and change in birth control pills or menopausal hormone therapy. Fertility and reproduction factors like pregnancy outcomes, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and vaginal and hormonal imbalance can also cause changes in endometrial thickness.
The endometrial thickness ultrasound scan may assess the following;
- The thicknesses of the endometrium
- Appearance of the endometrium
- Assist in fertility treatment
Objective of the scan
- The endometrial thickness scan provides information relating to the thickness and structure of the endometrium (lining of the womb).
- The endometrial thickness ultrasound is suitable for patients who are undergoing fertility treatment and have been asked to perform the endometrial thickness ultrasound scan by their fertility clinic or have been referred by them to us directly.
Unless you have been otherwise advised by your doctor or fertility clinic, a pelvic ultrasound scan is always recommended in the first instance of investigation. The pelvic ultrasound scan includes the endometrial thickness assessment.
Why choose us for your Endometrial Thickness Ultrasound
What brought you here?
Pick the closest match. We'll show what the scan looks for and what usually happens next.
What the scan looks for
The thickness and pattern of the womb lining, any fluid in the cavity, and whether the lining looks uneven or thickened.
What happens next
A verbal summary before you leave and a written report within 24 hours. A thickened lining is flagged for your GP or gynaecologist, who may arrange a biopsy.
What the scan looks for
Endometrial thickness and appearance, to see how your lining is responding while you are on hormone therapy.
What happens next
Measurements go into a written report within 24 hours for the doctor managing your HRT to review against your regime.
What the scan looks for
Lining thickness, any cystic change or apparent polyp within the cavity, and fluid collection in the womb.
What happens next
The report is issued within 24 hours and sent to your oncology or gynaecology team if you ask, as changes on tamoxifen usually need specialist interpretation.
What the scan looks for
A focused measurement of endometrial thickness and pattern at the point in your treatment cycle your clinic specified.
What happens next
We report the measurement within 24 hours, or the same day if you need it sooner, and send it straight to your fertility clinic.
What the scan looks for
Whether the lining is thicker or thinner than expected for your cycle day, and whether it looks uniform or irregular.
What happens next
You get a verbal summary and a written report within 24 hours for your GP, who can decide whether a full pelvic scan or hysteroscopy is the next step.
Please note: This is a focused measurement of the womb lining only, so if your ovaries or the rest of the pelvis also need looking at, a pelvic ultrasound is the better first scan.
Why do I need a Endometrial Thickness Scan?
Women can get an endometrial thickness ultrasound for various reasons. Some of the common reasons for getting an endometrial thickness ultrasound include:
Regular health check-up
The endometrium has varying thicknesses throughout the reproductive cycle of females. Taking the scan is one of the ways you can keep track of your reproductive health. Depending on the thickness, your healthcare provider can determine if there are any concerns with your reproductive health.
Diagnosis
An endometrial thickness ultrasound can be requested by your doctor as part of a series of tests to diagnose any concerns they might have with your health. The thickness of the endometrium can suggest various concerns like certain disorders, cancers or abnormal growths.
Assisting in fertility
An endometrial thickness scan can help your fertility doctor determine the optimal time for implanting an embryo or fertilisation. The endometrium can present with varying thicknesses, providing varying medical conclusions and indications based on the thickness.
Why do I need a Endometrial Thickness Scan?
Women can get an endometrial thickness ultrasound for various reasons. Some of the common reasons for getting an endometrial thickness ultrasound include:
Regular health check-up
The endometrium has varying thicknesses throughout the reproductive cycle of females. Taking the scan is one of the ways you can keep track of your reproductive health. Depending on the thickness, your healthcare provider can determine if there are any concerns with your reproductive health.
Diagnosis
An endometrial thickness ultrasound can be requested by your doctor as part of a series of tests to diagnose any concerns they might have with your health. The thickness of the endometrium can suggest various concerns like certain disorders, cancers or abnormal growths.
Assisting in fertility
An endometrial thickness scan can help your fertility doctor determine the optimal time for implanting an embryo or fertilisation. The endometrium can present with varying thicknesses, providing varying medical conclusions and indications based on the thickness.
What we check
The areas examined in one appointment. Open any section for detail.
Thickness MeasurmentWhat can the Endometrial Thickness Scan detect?
An endometrial thickness ultrasound is primarily used to evaluate the thickness of the endometrial lining in a woman’s uterus. The endometrial thickness scan can help detect and assess various conditions and situations, including:
Menstrual Disorders
An endometrial thickness scan can be used to investigate the cause of irregular menstrual cycles, heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), or abnormally light periods (oligomenorrhea). It only provides information on the womb lining, and therefore a pelvic ultrasound scan may be needed to examine the uterus and ovaries.
Fertility Treatment
It is used to assess the uterine lining’s thickness and overall health, which can affect fertility. An endometrial thickness ultrasound can help your fertility doctor determine the optimal treatment and timing for implanting an embryo or fertilisation.
Postmenopausal Bleeding
In postmenopausal women, any bleeding should be evaluated, as it can be a sign of underlying issues such as endometrial hyperplasia (thickening) or cancer. The scan can help determine the thickness of the endometrium and whether further investigation or biopsy is necessary.
Abnormal growths
Endometrial polyps and endometrial fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding and may be visualised during an endometrial thickness scan.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Monitoring
For women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), an endometrial thickness scan may be used to monitor changes in the endometrial lining and ensure it remains healthy.
Evaluation of Coil Placement
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are contraceptive devices that can affect the endometrial lining. A scan may be performed to confirm proper IUD placement and assess the thickness of the lining.
Evaluation after Surgery or Treatment
After certain uterine surgeries or treatments for conditions like endometrial cancer, an endometrial thickness scan can be used to monitor the healing process and assess any potential complications.
Assessment of Endometrial Cancer
In cases where endometrial cancer is suspected, an endometrial thickness ultrasound may be performed to guide further diagnostic procedures like biopsies.
It’s important to note that while an endometrial thickness scan can provide valuable information, a definitive diagnosis often requires additional tests such as biopsies, hysteroscopy, or other imaging like MRI. The results of the scan are typically interpreted by your doctor in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and other clinical findings to arrive at a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Benefits of the Endometrial Thickness Scan
Getting an endometrial scan has many benefits, some of which include;
Helps with diagnosing various conditions
An endometrial thickness scan is one of the initial scans your doctor will order if they suspect various reproductive health issues. The scan can provide information in order to decide how to best proceed with further investigation of treatment.
Early detection and treatment
Endometrial thickness scans can effectively catch various reproductive health conditions early when they are still easily treatable. Because it doesn’t pose any safety concerns to the patient, a doctor can order the test several times if they suspect something could be wrong.
Fast, effective and minimally invasive
An endometrial thickness ultrasound is a fast and effective way to determine the next steps in the diagnosis process. Different endometrial thicknesses advise your doctor on the next step. Beyond a certain thickness, additional investigation, like a biopsy, might be necessary to rule out the presence of cancer.
The benefits of the scan will change depending on your reason for taking the scan.
How to prepare
Arriving with the right preparation is important as failure to do so may result in us not being able to perform the scan.
Internal (transvaginal) scan
An internal (Transvaginal) scan is recommended or may be mandatory for specific services instead of the scan over your tummy as it often provides greater detail and better information, please ask our customer care team for more information.
For internal scans you do not need to have a full bladder and will be asked to empty your bladder if full. Also please do arrive in clothing that can allow easy and comfortable access to your pelvic area.
- For scans over your tummy (Transabdominal) then we recommend you arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Please drink 0.5 litres of clear fluid approximately 30 minutes or so before your scheduled appointment and kindly try your best not to empty your bladder before the examination.
- Please refer to the patient information guide by clicking here.
On the day
During the scan, you will be asked to uncover the area being scanned, hence we advise to wear suitable loose clothing and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be placed over your skin.
An ultrasound camera (‘probe’) will then be placed on top and moved along and around the area. This results in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor and patient TV which will be translated by the clinical specialist/ medical practitioner.
The ultrasound scan itself usually lasts around 10-15 minutes and is pain-free. At the end of the scan, a verbal summary of the results will be provided, as well as your opportunity to ask any questions.
Internal
Transvaginal
chaperone availableA slim, sheathed probe gives much clearer views of the womb lining and ovaries. Your bladder should be empty. It only goes ahead with your agreement and you can stop at any point.
Right after
Your clinician talks you through a verbal summary and answers your questions.
Within 24 hours
A formal written report arrives by email, ready to share with your GP.
If anything needs follow-up
We explain what was seen, the options and who to speak to next.
What patients say
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Common Questions
How much is an endometrial thickness ultrasound?
An endometrial thickness ultrasound can start from £99. The exact cost of the scan will vary depending on the clinic you visit and the information required during the scan.
When should you have the endometrial lining scan?
If you are undergoing any kind of fertility treatment your fertility doctor will advise you of the best time to perform the endometrial thickness ultrasound.
Otherwise in general the endometrial thickness scan may provide optimal between days 7-14 after the start of your last menstrual cycle.
If you are uncertain speak to your doctor who will advise you.
Does endometrial thickness matter?
Yes, endometrial thickness matters! The normal thickness of the endometrium changes throughout a person’s life from childhood through to sexual maturity, fertile years and after menopause. If the endometrial is too thick a biopsy might be considered as there may be a risk of cancer. Also, the thickness of the endometrium determines the chances of successful implantation in fertility.
What is a normal endometrial thickness on ultrasound?
A normal endometrial thickness ultrasound can vary depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle, a woman’s age, and other factors. Generally, the endometrial thickness will change throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. Some general guidelines are:
Reproductive Age Women: For women of reproductive age, the endometrial thickness can vary widely, and what is considered “normal” can differ from person to person. In general, an endometrial thickness of 8-12 mm during the mid-cycle phase is often considered normal, but variations are common.
Postmenopausal Women: In postmenopausal women (those who have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months), not taking hormone therapy the endometrial lining is typically very thin, often less than 5 mm. A thicker endometrial lining in postmenopausal women may be a cause for concern and require further evaluation to rule out conditions like endometrial hyperplasia or cancer.
What is considered too thick endometrium?
For women of reproductive age, the endometrial thickness can vary widely, and what is considered “normal” can differ from person to person.
In general, however, an endometrial thickness of below 16mm is considered normal at any stage of the menstrual cycle.
Will the scan images be included?
If you require the images of the scan, they can be sent on a secure PDF document for a small additional administration fee.
Preparing for Your Fertility Ultrasound Scan
If you require the images of the scan, they can be sent on a secure PDF document for a small additional administration fee.
Book your Endometrial Thickness Scan
Same-day and weekend appointments at The Scan Clinic London East in Gants Hill, with a verbal summary before you leave.
Standard price£99
Off-peak price£89
Off-peak discount is applied automatically at checkout. Verbal summary and written report included.
How to find us
Address
The Scan Clinic London East
635A Cranbrook Road
Gants Hill IG2 6SX
Free parking spaces directly in front of the clinic, plus a paid public car park opposite.
Important notes
- We will require details of your GP / Health Care Professional, which may be requested before or at the time of the scan.
- This scan requires access to the area of interest; therefore, it is recommended to wear loose clothing to facilitate this process.
- Study images are not typically included with the scan but may be requested, further information can be found by clicking here.
- Our London East clinic is located on the first floor, up one flight of stairs. Please note that we don’t have a lift available at this location.
- All of our first-line tests are optional and provided on a self-referral basis. You must be aged 18 years or over to use this service. If you have an existing medical condition, are undergoing treatment, or have any concerns about whether this test is appropriate for you, we recommend that you consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
- We kindly ask that you inform us of any specific requirements, reasonable adjustments, cultural considerations, or practitioner preferences before your appointment. Whilst we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate requests, this may not always be possible at short notice or subject to staff availability.
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More about the Endometrial Thickness Scan
Learn more about this scan, the areas it covers and ultrasound in general in our Health Hub.
Go to Health Hub
Medically reviewed by
Mr. Mohammad Usman
Clinical Lead and Consultant Sonographer