Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy takes a small sample of the uterine lining so it can be read under a microscope. The sample shows how far the lining has matured and whether inflammation is present.
The timing of the sample decides what it can tell you. Dated against the cycle, the lining is compared with where it should be. Among 98 datable samples from infertile women with regular cycles, 42 lagged behind.1 Seven of 30 women with textbook follicle growth showed the same lag.2
The test has limits. A review of how luteal phase deficiency is diagnosed found no validated clinical test. It put the biopsy's margin for error in infertile women at 15 to 30 percent.3
Cited in this entry
- Cumming DC, Honoré LH, Scott JZ, Williams KP. The late luteal phase in infertile women: comparison of simultaneous endometrial biopsy and progesterone levels. Fertility and Sterility. 1985. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3996616/
- Grunfeld L, Sandler B, Fox J, Boyd C, Kaplan P, Navot D. Luteal phase deficiency after completely normal follicular and periovulatory phases. Fertility and Sterility. 1989. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2591570/
- McNeely MJ, Soules MR. The diagnosis of luteal phase deficiency: a critical review. Fertility and Sterility. 1988. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3289975/
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.
