QuestionI have been TTC for 2 years now and have been to a few fertility doctors. I have just been given provera because i have a mildly thick uterine lining i was told. I was told to take the provera for 30 days. Is that a bit excessive, have not seen any time lengths that long on the net. my cycles range between 23 and 26 days, and have heavy bleeding with my cycles.
AnswerHello Jane from the U.S.,
Your question does not quite have enough information in it so I have to make some assumptions.j
By "mildly thick lining" does that mean that you have been diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia? A thicker lining on its own is not of much consequence other than the fact that it could indicate endometrial hyperplasia, which is a precancerous condition. It is not necessarily cancer but could lead to cancer if not treated. In that case, progesterone is used to suppress the lining and thin it out. Another option would be so simply induce a menstrual period so that the lining can be sloughed. The final option would be to do a D&C (dilation and curettage) to remove the lining. I only see prolonged progesterone (with Depo provera or progesterone injections) in patients with endometrial hyperplasia. In order to make the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia, an endometrial biopsy would need to be done.
I hope that answers your questions.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
