What is an endometrial ultrasound?
An endometrial ultrasound is a scan of the lining of your womb (the endometrium). It measures how thick the lining is and looks for polyps, thickening or other changes, usually using a gentle transvaginal scan, which gives the clearest view.
Why might I need an endometrial ultrasound?
Most often for bleeding after the menopause, heavy, irregular or bleeding between periods, bleeding on HRT, while taking tamoxifen, before fertility treatment, or to follow up a lining that was thick on a previous scan.
What does endometrial thickness mean?
The womb lining naturally changes through the menstrual cycle, from thin after a period to thicker before the next. After the menopause it should stay thin. Its thickness, measured in millimetres, helps decide whether anything needs further investigation, interpreted alongside your age, cycle and symptoms.
What is a normal endometrial thickness after menopause?
After the menopause, a lining under 4mm in someone with bleeding is reassuring. A lining of 4mm or more with postmenopausal bleeding needs further investigation, usually a hysteroscopy or biopsy, in line with UK NICE guidance. HRT can make the lining a little thicker, which your specialist takes into account.
Is bleeding after the menopause serious?
Bleeding after the menopause should always be checked, because in a small number of women it is caused by changes in the womb lining, including cancer. Most causes are benign, such as thinning of the vaginal tissue or a polyp. See your GP promptly, who may refer you urgently; a scan here can be done quickly alongside that.
What causes a thickened endometrium?
A thick lining can be normal at certain points of the cycle. Other causes include polyps, hormone imbalance or HRT, tamoxifen, polycystic ovaries, obesity and endometrial hyperplasia, where the lining grows too much. Your specialist explains whether your measurement is expected or needs follow-up.
Does a thickened endometrium mean cancer?
Usually not. A thick lining is far more often caused by the normal cycle, a polyp, HRT or hormone imbalance. But after the menopause, a lining of 4mm or more with bleeding needs a biopsy or hysteroscopy to rule out hyperplasia or cancer, and your specialist will tell you clearly if you need that.
Can an ultrasound see endometriosis?
Not reliably. Endometriosis is tissue similar to the womb lining growing outside the womb, and small deposits are usually invisible on ultrasound, so a normal scan does not rule it out. Ultrasound can show endometriomas (chocolate cysts) on the ovaries and some deeper disease; MRI or a gynaecology referral may be advised.
Endometrial polyps vs hyperplasia: what is the difference?
A polyp is a small, usually benign growth from the lining, which can cause irregular bleeding and can be removed during a hysteroscopy. Hyperplasia is a general thickening of the whole lining caused by excess oestrogen; some types need treatment to prevent progression. Ultrasound suggests which, and a biopsy confirms it.
How does the endometrium affect fertility or IVF?
A healthy lining is needed for an embryo to implant. Before fertility treatment, a lining of around 7mm or more with the right appearance is usually the aim. Ultrasound measures it and looks for polyps that might affect implantation.
Will I need an internal (transvaginal) scan?
Yes, as standard: a transvaginal scan gives the clearest, most accurate measurement of the womb lining. It is only done with your consent, a chaperone is always offered, and it is gentle and brief. If you would prefer not to, tell us when you book: a tummy scan with a full bladder can still give useful information, and your specialist will explain any limits.
When is the best time in my cycle for the scan?
If you still have periods, days five to ten of your cycle, just after your period ends, give the clearest view and make polyps easier to see. If you are postmenopausal or bleeding irregularly, the scan can be done at any time.
How long does an endometrial ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including a short conversation, the scan and time to explain the findings before you leave.
How much does an endometrial ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private endometrial ultrasound costs £260, all fees inclusive: the scan, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an endometrial ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for an endometrial ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private endometrial ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street endometrial ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
