Abstract

Endometrial hyperplasia is an overgrowth condition that is common in the menopausal period and causes thickening of the endometrial tissue. It is seen in 15% of women in the post-menopausal period and its incidence peaks between the ages of 50 and 60 years. In particular, endometrial hyperplasia condition clinically causes abnormal uterine bleeding. Pathologically, some types of endometrial hyperplasia may be a precursor to malignancy. It is estimated that the risk of developing cancer can reach up to 3% in cases of non-atypical hyperplasia and up to 29% in cases of atypical hyperplasia. In various studies, anovulatory disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, age, estrogen replacement therapy, polycystic ovary syndrome, smoking, medical treatments, Lynch syndrome, tamoxifen use, and changes in gene expressions of factors such as TNF-α, EGF, IGF-1, IGF-1R, and PTEN have been associated with the development of endometrial hyperplasia. For this reason, women in the postmenopausal period should be carefully evaluated and a good assessment and risk diagnosis should be made in the premenopausal period. Nurses and other healthcare professionals working in the field of obstetrics and gynecology have major responsibilities in screening, early diagnosis, care and education of the society and health professionals. The purpose of this review is to examine the factors affecting endometrial thickness in the perimenopausal period and to increase the awareness of nurses who play an important role in the evaluation and care of individuals.