Endometrial Lining - Premenopause. How thick is too thick?

I am 48 (just, thank you very much ) and still have periods exactly 28 days apart. They've been lasting 7-10 days. The 10 days means I have a couple days of spotting/light flow before the normal flow).

Had an ultrasound yesterday at day 19 of my cycle which showed no abnormalities. My endometrial lining measured 12.4mm. The ultrasound tech (excellent I might add) said at that point in my cycle, she considers that normal.

Doc is more conservative (which I love) and said that he will do another ultrasound about day 7-8 of my cycle (after the bulk of my period is over) and measure again. If it's still thick, he will do a hysteroscopy in hospital and do targeted biopsies then, etc. I think this is a wonderful plan as both of us don't like the idea of a blind endometrial biopsy. He knows I'm of the 'hit it hard, hit it early, leave no stone unturned' variety.

Given I've had no abnormal bleeding (no spotting in between, etc), no prolonged bleeding, no heavy bleeding so cancer isn't too much of a concern, however I do have a history of PCOS hence the further investigation if lining isn't nice and thin after my period. In addition, I had a normal ultrasound (stripe 8mm) 16 months ago which makes cancer even less on their radar. Due to a benign tubal cyst (removed three years ago) and the PCOS, I get regular ultrasounds and I can't tell you how reassuring that is. I did have my tubes tied when I had the cyst removed.

My question is what's normal for a premenopausal woman still menstruating monthly in regards to an endometrial stripe? I've read fertility docs love a 12mm stripe as it ups the odds for implantation so I would imagine it's pretty normal to be above 1cm after ovulation. SO confused - LOL! I'm 48 but my periods don't show any signs of being irregular so I'm guessing I'm not perimenopausal either, or if so, just starting.

Mind you I'm still going through with the testing, etc., if the second ultrasound reveals a still-thick lining I'm sure intensely curious about the lining question.

We also did hormonal testing and testing of my thyroid levels to get a fuller picture.

I have no problem btw about losing my uterus if I do need the hysteroscopy and the biopsies come back squirrely. It is what it is, you know?

Here's a link that may help explain the measurements:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/403578-overview (See "anatomy" paragraphs).

Hope all your tests turn out okay.


Beth

So 12mm at this stage of my cycle can be very normal. I'll see what an ultrasound at day 7 shows. Will be interesting!

I was told I had a thickened endometrium too. Back then, I never thought to ask what the size was. I was flooding very badly and just wanted to know the plan. Kudos to you for doing your homework.

Mine was checked with an endometrial biopsy in the office. (Felt like a pap with a pinch)

Keep us posted on what you find out.
Thinking of you,