Adenomyosis is a benign medical condition of the uterus where the endometrial tissue (the inner lining of the uterus) grows in the outer muscular walls of the uterus.
This condition is also known as endometriosis interna or internal endometriosis.
Remember that adenomyosis is different from endometriosis.
It is a condition where the cells that line the inside of the uterus sheds during menstruation and becomes implanted outside of the uterus.
It generally occurs when the endometrial tissue of the uterus bleeds during your menstruation, the old tissue and blood will unable to escape the uterine muscle and flows out of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) as part of normal menstrual periods.
In some cases, adenomyosis may cause a growth within the uterus. This is called an adenomyoma. Adenomyosis generally develops after your reproductive age that is above thirty-five years.
The cause of adenomyosis is unknown. However, it is found that the barrier that separates endometrium and myometrium will get comprised and allows the invasion of endometrial glands into the myometrium instead of preventing the invasion.
It is also found from recent studies that the occurrence of adenomyosis is very high in women who have had cesarean sections, tubal ligations and abortions. However, it disappears typically after menopause.
Adenomyosis is harmless even though the condition is quite painful. This condition is called “silent” because it is mostly asymptomatic. It is estimated that more than fifty percent of adenomyosis cases exhibit no symptoms.
On the other hand, if symptoms develop then they may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, blood clots during menses, abnormal bleeding, painful periods, menstrual cramps, pain during sexual activity, the size of the uterus increases, headache, loss of hair, and change in the vision.
If you experience these symptoms and find more distress from adenomyosis, you have treatment options to help relieve the condition. It is best to consult your doctor as soon as you find the discomfort.
The doctor evaluates your condition through symptoms, pelvic exam, blood test, ultrasound tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In some cases, the symptoms of adenomyosis can be confused with other conditions such as fibroid tumors, endometriosis [Endometriosis Treatment], or endometrial polyps. So, your doctor will first evaluate the other condition that results abnormal bleeding.
Once the condition is identified, the doctor will start treating the condition. However, it depends on how close you are to the menopause stage because adenomyosis resolves on its own after your menopause stage.
If you are near to the menopause stage, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, ketoprofen or naproxen to relieve from the pain.
Taking these medications two or three days before and during your menstrual periods can help lessen menstrual bleeding along with menstrual pain.
Hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives also help reduce excessive bleeding and adenomyosis pain.
On the other hand, if you are away from menopause stage and with severe symptoms then the doctor may suggest hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
You can prevent the condition through a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, decreasing the stress levels and adequate rest.
