Endometrial biopsy Health Article

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal menstrual periods may be caused by:

• Endometrial cancer or precancer (hyperplasia)
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine polyps
• Hormone imbalance

If the lining is being tested for infertility, the sample may determine if hormones are properly stimulating the lining so that the fertilized egg can implant.

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Abnormal bleeding if a woman is taking the breast cancer medication, tamoxifen
• Anovulatory bleeding
• Endometritis

What the risks are

• Infection
• Making a hole in (perforating) the uterus or tearing the cervix (rarely)
• Prolonged bleeding
• Slight spotting

References

Katz VL. Diagnostic procedures. Imaging, endometrial sampling, endoscopy: indications and contraindications, complications. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2007: chap 11.