Having a thick uterine lining is important for successful implantation when trying to get pregnant. Here are some tips that may help thicken your uterus and improve your chances of conception:
What is uterine lining thickness and why is it important?
The uterine lining (endometrium) is the layer of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Each month, in preparation for a potential pregnancy, the lining becomes thick and enriched with blood vessels to support an embryo should fertilization occur. Doctors consider a thickness of 8-10mm to be optimal for implantation. If the lining is too thin, it may be difficult for an embryo to properly implant and establish a healthy pregnancy.
What causes a thin uterine lining?
Some factors that can contribute to a thin uterine lining include:
- Advanced maternal age
- Hormonal imbalances
- Scarring from procedures like D&C
- Chronic conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Uterine abnormalities
- Smoking
- Excessive exercise
- Poor nutrition
How to thicken your uterine lining naturally
Here are some natural ways you may be able to increase uterine lining thickness:
Take vitamins and supplements
Some supplements that can help thicken the endometrium include:
- Vitamin E – An antioxidant that promotes blood flow to the uterus. Aim for 15mg daily.
- L-arginine – Stimulates blood flow. Take up to 6,000 mg daily.
- Vitex (chasteberry) – Helps balance reproductive hormones. Take 400-500 mg daily.
- Folic acid – Helps build the uterine lining. Get 600-800 mcg daily.
Eat foods that promote blood flow
Foods high in antioxidants and phytoestrogens may help thicken the endometrium. Try eating more:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Berries
- Nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseed, and sunflower seeds
- Avocados
- Beets
- Pomegranate
- Foods rich in omega-3s like salmon and walnuts
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may increase blood flow to the uterus and help thicken the lining. Make sure to see an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility.
Self-massage
Massaging your lower abdomen may improve blood circulation to the uterus. Using a warm castor oil pack on the lower abdomen a few times per week may also be beneficial.
When to see a doctor
If the above natural remedies don’t improve your uterine lining thickness, be sure to see a fertility specialist. They can check for any underlying problems and may recommend treatments like hormones or other medications.
Some medical options for thickening the endometrium include:
- Estrogen therapy – Usually taken as a pill, patch, vaginal ring, or gel.
- Gonadotropins – Hormone injections to stimulate ovulation and lining growth.
- Pentoxifylline – A blood thinner that may increase blood flow to the uterus.
- Aspirin – Also helps promote blood flow when taken daily in low doses.
- Vitamins D and E – May be prescribed in higher therapeutic doses.
- Sildenafil – A medication that dilates blood vessels.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend IVF with frozen embryo transfer to give the uterine lining extra time to thicken without the pressure of ovaries producing eggs.
Can too thick of a uterine lining decrease chances of implantation?
Yes, in some cases having an overly thick endometrium can reduce implantation success rates. Doctors consider a thickness over 15mm to be too thick. This may prevent embryos from properly embedding into the uterine wall.
Some causes of an excessively thick lining include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Uterine polyps or fibroids
- Endometrial hyperplasia – overgrowth of the endometrium
- Hypothyroidism
- PCOS
- Obesity
If your lining is too thick, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy, metformin, or a D&C procedure to thin it out before an embryo transfer.
Conclusion
Having adequate uterine lining thickness is necessary for successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy. There are many natural methods and medical treatments that can help thicken your endometrium if it is too thin. However, an excessively thick lining can also hamper your chances of conception. Work with your doctor to determine the appropriate thickness for your individual situation.