Thursday, February, 09, 2012

Endometrial biopsy

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Biopsy - endometrium


Normal Values

The biopsy is normal if the cells in the sample have no abnormalities.


What abnormal results mean

Abnormal menstrual periods may be caused by:

  • Endometrial cancer or precancer (hyperplasia)
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Uterine polyps
  • Hormone imbalance

If the lining is being tested for infertility, the sample may determine if hormones are properly stimulating the lining so that the fertilized egg can implant.

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

  • Abnormal bleeding if a woman is taking the breast cancer medication, tamoxifen
  • Anovulatory bleeding
  • Endometritis


Review Date: 09/02/2009
Reviewed By: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington: Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)