Many women experience abnormal uterine bleeding, heavy periods, or unexplained spotting, but don’t always know the cause.
One possible reason is the presence of growths inside the womb that are often overlooked until they cause symptoms.
These growths are known as uterine polyps, and they can impact a woman’s health in various ways.
What Are Uterine Polyps?
Uterine polyps, also called endometrial polyps, are small growths that form on the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
They are usually attached to the uterine wall by a thin stalk or a broad base, and their size can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Most polyps are noncancerous (not caused by or involving cancer), but in some cases, they may show precancerous changes or, rarely, turn cancerous.
Because of this, it’s important not to ignore them, especially if you’re experiencing unusual bleeding or fertility challenges.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of uterine polyps isn’t fully understood, but hormones, especially estrogen, play a key role in their growth.
Estrogen stimulates the lining of the uterus, and when it builds up too much, polyps can form.
Some factors that increase the risk include:
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Age: Most common in women in their 40s and 50s (around menopause).
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Obesity: Higher body fat can lead to increased estrogen levels.
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High blood pressure: Linked with a greater risk of developing polyps.
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Tamoxifen use: A medication used in breast cancer treatment that can trigger polyp growth.
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Hormonal imbalance: Especially when estrogen levels are high compared to progesterone.
Symptoms to Watch For
Some women with uterine polyps may not notice any symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they often include:
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Irregular menstrual bleeding - periods that come at unpredictable times.
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Heavy menstrual bleeding - much heavier flow than usual.
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Spotting between periods - bleeding or brown discharge when you’re not on your period.
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Bleeding after menopause - any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be checked immediately.
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Infertility - in some cases, polyps can make it harder to get pregnant.
How Uterine Polyps Are Diagnosed
If a doctor suspects uterine polyps, they may use one or more of these tests:
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Hysterosonography (saline infusion sonography) - sterile fluid is placed inside the uterus during an ultrasound to get a clearer view.
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Hysteroscopy - a thin, flexible camera is passed through the cervix to look at the inside of the uterus directly.
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Treatment Options
Not all uterine polyps need treatment. Management depends on the size of the polyp, symptoms, and risk factors. Common options include:
a. Watchful waiting
If the polyp is small and not causing symptoms, no immediate treatment may be needed.
b. Medications
Hormonal therapy (like progestins or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) may help shrink polyps, but symptoms often return when the drugs are stopped.
c. Surgical removal
d. Follow-up care
It is important to monitor for recurrence and ensure there are no precancerous changes.
Can Uterine Polyps Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent uterine polyps, but certain lifestyle and health habits may reduce risk:
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Maintain a healthy weight - excess body fat can raise estrogen levels, which may encourage polyp growth.
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Manage blood pressure - keeping blood pressure under control may help lower risk.
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Regular check-ups, including routine gynecological exams and timely evaluation of abnormal bleeding, ensure early detection.
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Balanced hormones - where possible, addressing hormonal imbalances can reduce the chances of overgrowth in the uterine lining.
Conclusion
Uterine polyps are not something most women think about until symptoms start to interfere with daily life.
The truth is, many cases are picked up simply because someone decided not to ignore unusual bleeding or spotting. Getting checked doesn’t always mean bad news, but it does give clarity and peace of mind.
With the right care, polyps can be treated effectively, and for women hoping to get pregnant, removing them can even improve fertility chances.
Your body often sends signals when something isn’t right. Listening to those signals and acting early is one of the best ways to protect your health.
Have you ever experienced this, or do you know someone who has?
Researched by Victoria Odues
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