Q: When are endometrial biopsies indicated?

Endometrial biopsies are indicated in the following circumstances:

• Women over 40 years of age with heavy menstrual bleeding
• Women over 40 years old, with irregular, intermenstrual or post-coital bleeding (who are not pregnant, have a normal cervical smear and no proven evidence of chlamydial infection)
• Women with abnormal bleeding for more than three months whilst taking Tamoxifen or within three months of stopping Tamoxifen
• Post menopausal women not taking HRT
• Post menopausal women with irregular or unexpected vaginal bleeding greater than 3 months after starting or changing formulation of HRT

Q: Where are endometrial biopsies performed?

Currently the vast majority of endometrial biopsies are performed in a hospital setting. It may be that with the development of local enhanced services some endometrial biopsies will be performed in primary care.

Post menopausal women will always have their investigations performed in hospital (fast track clinics) as often only mucous is aspirated from the group not taking HRT must it is important to ensure that the cavity proper has been assessed.

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