Thin Endometrial Lining: Causes, Treatments, and When to Be Concerned

Thin Endometrial Lining: Causes, Treatments, and When to Be Concerned

The uterine lining—also called the endometrium—plays a critical role in implantation and early pregnancy. Even with healthy embryos and well-timed transfers, a lining that is too thin can make it harder for implantation to occur. For many fertility patients, understanding why the lining isn’t thickening and what treatment options exist can be an important step forward.

What Is the Endometrial Lining?

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Each cycle, it thickens in response to estrogen in preparation for implantation. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, the lining sheds during menstruation.

In fertility treatment, endometrial thickness is typically monitored by ultrasound prior to ovulation or embryo transfer.

What Is Considered a “Thin” Lining?

• An endometrial lining under 7 mm around the time of ovulation or embryo transfer is often considered thin
• Thicker linings are generally associated with higher implantation and pregnancy rates
• Thickness alone doesn’t tell the whole story—lining quality and blood flow also matter

Common Causes of Thin Endometrial Lining

• Low estrogen levels
• Prior uterine procedures (D&C, fibroid removal, uterine surgery)
• Asherman’s syndrome (uterine scar tissue)
• Chronic endometritis or uterine inflammation
• Poor uterine blood flow
• Overuse of certain medications, such as clomiphene
• Aging and reduced endometrial responsiveness
• In some cases, the cause is multifactorial or not immediately obvious

How a Thin Lining Affects Fertility

• Reduce the likelihood of embryo implantation
• Increase the risk of early pregnancy loss
• Lead to canceled embryo transfer cycles

Because the endometrium supports early placental development, adequate thickness and receptivity are essential.

How Is Thin Endometrial Lining Evaluated?

• Transvaginal ultrasound monitoring
• Hormonal testing
• Hysteroscopy to assess uterine cavity and rule out scarring
• Endometrial biopsy if inflammation or infection is suspected

Your fertility provider will consider both lining thickness and overall uterine health.

Treatment Options to Improve Endometrial Thickness

• Optimizing estrogen support (oral, transdermal, or injectable)
• Changing stimulation or transfer protocols
• Addressing inflammation or infection if present
• Improving uterine blood flow through medication or lifestyle strategies
• Extended cycle preparation to allow more time for lining development
• Some patients benefit from adjusting timing rather than increasing medication doses

When Should You Be Concerned?

• Your lining repeatedly measures below target despite treatment
• Transfers have been canceled due to inadequate lining
• You’ve had prior uterine surgery or infections
• You’ve experienced unexplained implantation failure

Early evaluation allows for more targeted treatment planning.

The Bottom Line

A thin endometrial lining can be frustrating—but it doesn’t mean pregnancy isn’t possible. With careful evaluation and individualized treatment, many patients are able to improve endometrial development and move forward successfully.

If lining thickness has been a recurring issue, a deeper look at uterine health and cycle preparation may help uncover solutions.