Understanding Atrophic Uterus: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Question
Hi.
I have recently had an ultrasound and pelvic examination which revealed I have an "abnormally small atrophic?? uterus". My uterus measures
Length: 1.91cm
Height: 1.75cm
Width 2.45cm
Endo thick 0.28
Cervic len 2.08
Volume: 4.29 (uterus volume)

I am 29 years old and have no children. My doctor has conducted blood tests to test my hormone levels but all came back fine. I have an appointment to see a specialist but won't get in for three months so am seeking any information you can give me. My doctor said the specialist would assess whether on not I would be able to carry a pregnancy, as my uterus was tiny. She said it was the size of a postmenopausal woman's. She said this may have been a birth defect? Do you think there is anything that can be done to allow me to have a child or does this seem impossible? I read a lot of people saying that it doesn't matter if you have a small uterus, but haven't read anywhere of anyone having one as small as mine! Please let me know what you think.

Answer
Penne,

Don't stress too much until you know more.  

Even though your blood work came back ok, you could have had low estrogen up to a week prior that was causing it to be so small.  Even if that's not the case and your levels were fine, the uterus responds exceptionally well to estrogen therapy.

While your uterus does seem quite small in size, it isn't usually a factor since it is designed to stretch significantly over the course of a pregnancy.  


The "atrophic" designation could be problematic.  This typically refers to a deterioration in condition.  However, this diagnosis is often given without being truly reflective of the condition.  It's more than likely you have an abnormally small uterus, not one that is deteriorating.  The specialist is the best one to determine this as this isn't a regular OB's specialty.  Again, I wouldn't worry about this too much because it's often diagnosed in error.


So, there is definitely still hope that everything will be fine or correctable with hormone therapy.  I'm sure the wait will be torture but worrying won't change anything and won't make you feel better.  Do your best to be positive during the wait.



All the best,
Catherine