Struggling With Thin Endometrium? Know What It is And Can It Be Treated With Regenerative Medicine

When it comes to reproductive health, the uterus plays a significant role for women who are aspiring to conceive. To become pregnant, the embryo must implant in the uterine lining, which is also known as the endometrium. Inadequate thickness of the uterine lining or thin endometrium can pose a barrier to successful implantation and hinder fertility. However, the thickness of the endometrium varies throughout a woman's life, right from childhood to puberty, during the reproductive years, as well as after menopause.

When Is Endometrium Considered Thin?

“A thin endometrium, typically defined as less than 7mm in thickness, can result from various factors such as less blood flow, low oestrogen, fibroids, myoma or damaged endometrial lining,” said  Dr Madhulika Sinha, Senior Consultant, Gynaecology, Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka. 

“This condition often leads to implantation failure, irregular and menstruation and a myriad number of challenges like fertility issues and inadequate bleeding during menses,” she added. 

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The main causes of Thin endometrium

According to the World Health Organisation, PCOS affects around 8-13% of women of reproductive age, with up to 70% of cases going untreated. Generally, PCOS may contribute to the development of a thin endometrium. 

Poor blood flow to the uterus, often associated with conditions like vascular diseases, can further impede the growth of the endometrial lining. 

Medical treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which are often employed to combat cancer, can adversely affect the regenerative capacity of the endometrial tissue. 

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, a young woman who had cancer was diagnosed with thin endometrial lining while seeking infertility treatment.

Treating Thin Endometrium With Regenerative Medicine

As per Journal Future Medicine, regenerative medicine refers to "the process of replacing, engineering, or regenerating human or animal cells, tissues, or organs to restore its proper functioning. 

Dr Pradeep Mahajan, A Regenerative Medicine Researcher, StemRx BioScience Solutions India, said, “Regenerative medicine harnesses the body's natural healing abilities, and may offer a hope to thin the endometrium. This innovative approach involves the use of stem cells, growth factors, and other regenerative therapies to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration,” 

As per MayoClinic, stem cells, known for their ability to transform into different cell types, are particularly instrumental in regenerative medicine, as they can divide into new stem cells or differentiate into any other sort of cell in the body. This adaptability enables embryonic stem cells to restore or mend damaged tissue and organs.

“In case of  thin endometrium, the process of regenerative medicine helps stem cells to promote the growth and repair of the uterine lining, addressing the root cause of the issue and providing a more sustainable solution compared to traditional approaches,” Dr Mahajan added.

Other Benefits Of Regenerative Medicine 

Apart from reproductive health, several researchers found that regenerative medicine can help to heal damaged teeth and return to their normal structure and function.

In the realm of fertility treatment, regenerative medicine stands as a hope for women who wish to conceive but are grappling with thin endometrium. By unlocking the body's innate healing potential, regenerative therapy is a new approach of treatment. 

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As science continues to progress, regenerative medicine may redefine the landscape of reproductive health, bringing new possibilities and renewed optimism to those facing the complexities of thin endometrium.