Norma m echo uterus

The uterine lining plays a central role in the woman's ability to become a mother. If any abnormalities of the endometrium - endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia - is greatly reduced and the chance of a successful pregnancy. Each watching their health, a woman must know what the endometrium, what it is and how to change depending on the menstrual cycle phase.

The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. Its main purpose is to create optimal conditions for the implantation of the ovum. Healthy non-pregnant endometrium each month rejected. The structure prevents the coalescing of the uterine cavity and occurrence of adhesions.

To avoid situations in which the endometrium is exposed to trauma (abortion, curettage), you must use suitable methods of contraception, to monitor reproductive health in time to treat the disease and avoid invasive procedures.

The structure of the endometrium

In the structure of the endometrium is possible to allocate two layers.

1. Basal. It is located directly on the uterine myometrium, does not undergo significant changes depending on the menstrual cycle. Its purpose is to recreate the functional layer. The basal layer of the endometrium is composed of connective tissue cells. It originated cancer, germinating in the function. Among the cylindrical epithelial cells there are "cell-bubbles" larger in size. They are immature cells of the ciliated epithelium. Because the myometrium in the basal layer penetrates a large number of blood vessels. Normally, a thickness of 1-1.5 cm.
2. Functional. This layer has a high sensitivity to the action of hormones. Under the influence of cyclically changing the structure, thickness and function.

Stages of development

At different stages of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium has a different structure and thickness. Considering as an example a cycle, which lasts 28 days, in the inner lining of the uterus can be observed changes. The proliferative phase: the average duration is 14 days. In the ovaries of growing and maturing dominant follicle. Under the influence of estrogen produced by their various changes occur in the endometrium:

• early (5-7 days): gland functional layer have a straight or slightly twisted character. Epithelium low, cylindrical, is located in one row. Observed unit mitotic division. Stroma dense;
• medium (8-10 day): the length of the glands increases. a large number of mitoses observed in the nuclei of cells. The stroma is loose, edematous;
• late (10-14 days): glands are strongly crimped character. Pseudostratified epithelium. Stroma is well defined, little mitotic divisions. Spiral artery originating from the basal layer, reach the surface of the endometrium.

Secretory phase has an average duration of 14 days. Admissible fluctuations within one day. Increase or decrease of this phase of more than 2 days indicates the presence of pathology of the menstrual cycle. In this step, endometrial thickness reaches its maximum:

• early (15-18 day): gland strongly crimped, expanded. The vacuoles glands contain a large amount of glycogen. Strom loose, well marked, in some cases it is possible to observe the appearance of small focal hemorrhage that occurred during ovulation and related short-term decrease in the level of estrogen;
• medium (Day 19-23) by the action of hormones produced by the corpus luteum, endometrium thickness reaches its maximum size - 14 mm. The functional structure of the shell can be clearly discerned superficial and deep layers. The glands secrete intensely secret consisting of glycogen and acid mucopolysaccharides. Vessels are highly convoluted nature of these formed the so-called tangles. This stage is optimized for implantation of the ovum;
• late (24-25 day): in this phase begins the gradual development of degenerative processes. Stroma becomes less pronounced. The glands become folded in nature;
• regression (26-27 days) in the surface layer expands capillary network in the stroma observed focal hemorrhage. This state is called the "anatomical menstruation."

Menstruation:

• desquamation (28-2 day): in the decaying endometrial glands are found collapsed and coils spiral arteries;
• regeneration (3-4 days): the stage is characterized by the manifestation of the processes of epithelialization. It is due to the proliferation of epithelial tissue of the basal layer of the gland. In parallel with the epithelialization starts restoration of the functional layer.

The purposes and methods for measuring the thickness

Ultrasound Uterine study analyzing ultrasound picture is necessary for:

• assessing the structure and endometrial thickness measurement;
• verification of compliance with the endometrium of the menstrual cycle;
• assess the readiness of the endometrium for implantation of the ovum.

It must be remembered, that the study is assigned a doctor, taking into account day of the cycle. That is why an independent passage of ultrasound with the definition of the M-echo can be misleading.

M-echo standards

M-echo is a mandatory part of the uterus ultrasound. It allows you to reliably estimate the thickness and structure of the endometrium. At different stages of the menstrual cycle, it has a different rate.

bleeding phase

This phase is characterized by an inhomogeneous structure of the endometrium, having low echogenicity. By the end of the bleeding phase increased echogenicity. Normally, the thickness of the M-echo is 5-9 mm and 3-5 mm desquamation for regeneration.

proliferative

In the early period of proliferation observed decrease in echogenicity and increased conduction. Normally, the M-echo ranging from 6 to 9 mm.

The middle stage is characterized by the discovery of a clear hyperechogenic education and anechoic rim around it. Norm M-echo 8-10 mm.

In the late phase of proliferation rate is 9-11 mm.

secretory

At an early stage of the secretory phase rate ranges from 10 to 12 mm.

Middle and late stage is characterized by the fact that the stroma gradually stops its growth. Norm M-echo 12-14 mm.

before menstruation

Before the start of menstrual bleeding M-echo is normally from 10 to 14 mm.

During pregnancy and menopause

Between childbearing norm M-echo is up to 16 mm.

The menopause is a gradual extinction of the production of estrogen. The endometrium is subjected to degenerative processes, its thickness is substantially reduced. When ultrasound is determined by its high echogenicity, homogeneous structure and smooth contours. If after menopause was less than five years, the rate of M-echo is 5 mm. Subsequently it decreases until complete extinction.

On a background of reception of COCs

When receiving hormonal contraceptives norm M-echo is 3-5 mm. By suppressing the growth of the follicle, decreasing the amount of estrogen produced. Endometrial thickness becomes smaller.

for the conception of norms

For successful implantation of the ovum M-echo should be no less than 7 mm and not more than 15 mm. If endometrial thickness less than the established norm, the fertilized egg will be difficult to gain a foothold in the uterine wall. When exceeding the thickness standards there is a danger of rejection of the ovum.

On this basis, planning a pregnancy, a woman should undergo the necessary pre-diagnostic studies. This will allow the doctor to assess the condition of her reproductive health and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate therapy.