The endometrial stripe is the lining of the uterus as it appears and is measured on an ultrasound, especially a transvaginal ultrasound.

Quick Scoop

  • It refers to the thickness of the endometrium, the inner tissue that builds up and sheds during the menstrual cycle (your period).
  • On ultrasound, this lining shows up as a bright, central line or band inside the uterus — that’s what doctors call the “endometrial stripe.”
  • Its thickness changes with hormones and the phase of the menstrual cycle (thinnest during/just after your period, thickest after ovulation in the secretory phase).
  • Measuring it helps doctors evaluate causes of abnormal bleeding, fertility issues, and to screen for conditions like endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.

Normal changes

  • In people who still have periods, the stripe can range from very thin (around 2–4 mm during a period) to much thicker (up to around 16 mm late in the cycle), depending on timing.
  • After menopause, the lining is usually quite thin, and a thicker-than-expected stripe may prompt further tests like a biopsy.

Why it’s a trending forum topic

On health forums, people often post their endometrial stripe measurement from an ultrasound report and ask if it is “normal,” especially if they have heavy periods, spotting, trouble getting pregnant, or postmenopausal bleeding. Doctors interpret that number in context: age, symptoms, where you are in your cycle, and other risk factors.

If you see “endometrial stripe” on your report, it’s basically your uterine lining thickness as seen on ultrasound — not a diagnosis by itself, but one clue your doctor uses.

Important: If you had an ultrasound and are worried about your endometrial stripe measurement, bring the exact number and your symptoms to your clinician for a personalized explanation and next steps.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.