Hyperplasia is a condition of cellular and tissue overgrowth, in this case, in the endometrium or uterine lining. This occurs in response to perpetually high levels of estrogen. During a woman's menstrual cycle, ovulation triggers a rise in progesterone, which can help keep endometrial growth in check. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels begin to wane naturally, triggering the start of a woman's period where her uterine lining is shed.
Because women with PCOS are often anovulatory, meaning that they have infrequent and irregular periods, their uterine linings can become hyperplastic. If you have endometrial hyperplasia, you may need to be on medication to help regulate your period. Changes in the endometrium associated with hyperplasia can predispose women with this condition to endometrial cancer, so it is really important to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis.
