Disordered proliferative endometrium

by Adnan Karavelic, MD FRCPC
September 9, 2023


What does disordered proliferative endometrium mean?

Disordered proliferative endometrium is a non-cancerous change that develops in the endometrium, a thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. If left untreated, disordered proliferative endometrium can change into another non-cancerous condition called endometrial hyperplasia.

ovaries fallopian tube uterus cervix vagina

What causes disordered proliferative endometrium?

The changes seen in disordered proliferative endometrium are believed to be caused by long-standing and unopposed stimulation of the endometrium by the hormone estrogen. Unopposed means that the effects of estrogen are not being balanced by other hormones such as progesterone. Unopposed estrogen stimulation is common in perimenopausal women, younger women with excess body fat, and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Is disordered proliferative endometrium associated with an increased risk of cancer?

No. The evidence available today suggests that this condition is not associated with an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.

How is this diagnosis made?

This diagnosis is made after a small tissue sample from the endometrium is examined under the microscope by a pathologist.

What happens next?

Disordered proliferative endometrium is a descriptive diagnosis that needs to be considered together with your medical history, physical examination, and any other tests that were performed (blood work, imaging tests, etc.). Talk to your doctor about what this diagnosis means to you.

Additional resources

PCOS Awareness Society
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