What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is the process by which tissue that resembles the endometrium, the lining of your uterus, begins to develop into the myometrium, the muscle wall of your uterus. Your uterus thickens and enlarges as a result; occasionally, it might double or triple in size. Abdominal/pelvic pain, heavy or extended menstrual bleeding with clotting, and painful periods are all possible signs of adenomyosis.
Common Symptoms of Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis can sometimes go undetected or cause only minor discomfort. However, adenomyosis can result in:
- Heavy or lengthy menstrual bleeding.
- Dysmenorrhea, which is severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain that occurs during menstruation.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Your uterus expanding.
Although you may not be aware that your uterus is larger, you may experience soreness or pressure in your lower abdomen.
When to Consult a Doctor for Adenomyosis
You should contact your doctor if you are suffering from:
- Extremely heavy periods.
- Extremely excruciating cramping.
- Painful intercourse.
- Feeling full or heavy in your abdomen.
Also Read: What is Bulky Uterus? its Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Causes Behind Adenomyosis
Experts don’t quite know what causes adenomyosis, but risk factors include:
Age: Most women with adenomyosis are in their late reproductive years, between 35 and 50. Menopause alleviates the majority of adenomyosis symptoms.
Childbirth: Many women with adenomyosis have given birth to multiple children. Endometrial tissue may invade the myometrium when an embryo implants in the uterine wall. However, additional research is required to corroborate this.
Previous Operations: According to research, prior uterine surgeries like cesarean or dilatation and curettage (D&C) may increase the risk of adenomyosis.
Potential Risks of Adenomyosis
If you have a uterus, adenomyosis will most likely develop in your 40s and 50s. However, doctors are increasingly detecting the condition in female teenagers and young adults. Adenomyosis affects approximately 2%-5% of teenagers with very heavy periods. Your risk increases if you:
- Have given birth at least once.
- Have had uterine surgery, such as a C-section, fibroid removal, or dilation and curettage (D&C).
- Have endometriosis.
If left untreated, adenomyosis can lead to:
- Chronic pelvic and abdominal pain.
- Chronic iron deficiency anemia, induced by prolonged heavy periods, resulting in symptoms such as weariness and dizziness
- Trouble becoming pregnant (infertility)
- Miscarriage
How Adenomyosis Are Diagnosed
Adenomyosis can be difficult to diagnose since its symptoms resemble those of other conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. To determine the reason of your symptoms, your physician may recommend:
Pelvic Examination: If you have adenomyosis, your doctor may notice that your uterus is swollen, mushy, and uncomfortable to touch.
Ultrasound: This test allows a doctor to examine the uterus, its lining, and muscular wall. Ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose adenomyosis, but it can help rule out alternative possibilities.
Sonohysterography: In this test, saline solution is delivered into the uterus via a small tube while an ultrasound is performed.
MRI: This can indicate that your uterus is swollen and thickened in certain locations.
An Endometrial Biopsy: The doctor can rule out other diseases by collecting a sample of your uterine lining.
Hysterectomy: Doctors can study the tissue removed after a hysterectomy to confirm adenomyosis.
Also Read: What to Do for Repeated IVF Failure Treatment?
Treatments for Adenomyosis
Because the hormone estrogen stimulates endometrial tissue growth, adenomyosis symptoms frequently resolve after menopause. In the interim period, these treatments can alleviate discomfort, severe bleeding, and other symptoms:
Pain Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, help to relieve cramping.
Hormonal Medications: Some hormonal medications can aid in menstruation and irregular bleeding. Birth control pills and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD) are among the available options.
Nonhormonal Medications: Medications such as tranexamic acid, can help reduce vaginal bleeding.
Adenomyomectomy: This procedure eliminates adenomyosis from the uterine muscle. The treatment is comparable to myomectomy, which removes uterine fibroids.
Hysterectomy: This operation eliminates your uterus. Following a hysterectomy, you will not have a menstrual cycle or be able to conceive.
Conclusion
The primary symptoms of adenomyosis, such as heavy monthly flow and cramps, resolve once menopause begins. However, postmenopausal women may still have a big or thick uterus. If excessive monthly bleeding is impacting your quality of life, you should consult with your doctor of choice or an OB/GYN. There are treatments available, and you do not have to live with this condition forever.
FAQs on Adenomyosis
What is adenomyosis of the uterus?
Adenomyosis occurs when the uterine lining develops into the uterine muscular wall. It can lead to severe menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and sexual discomfort.
Is adenomyosis dangerous?
Adenomyosis can impact the entire womb or just a part of it. Adenomyosis is not a life-threatening disorder, but the symptoms can have a significant influence on your daily life, therefore it’s critical to seek assistance when needed.
Can adenomyosis be cured?
A hysterectomy is the only way to permanently cure adenomyosis, although it is not the best option for everyone. Alternative treatments may help with symptoms.
Why does adenomyosis occur?
The specific cause of adenomyosis is unknown, although potential causes include estrogen exposure, childbirth, and uterus surgery.
Can adenomyosis cause infertility?
Yes, adenomyosis can cause infertility; research suggest that women with adenomyosis may have a reduced capacity to conceive due to the disorder altering the uterine lining and potentially impeding embryo implantation, resulting in lower pregnancy rates and a higher risk of miscarriage.
Can adenomyosis be reversed?
Adenomyosis cannot be reversed naturally, however treatments can help alleviate symptoms. The only way to entirely eliminate adenomyosis is to undergo a hysterectomy, a type of surgery to remove the uterus.
Can adenomyosis cause weight gain?
Adenomyosis does not cause weight gain by itself, but it might induce symptoms that result in increased weight.
Can adenomyosis be cured without surgery?
No, adenomyosis cannot be cured without surgery; however, alternative treatments may help relieve symptoms.
