Adenomyosis Causes & Symptoms | Dr Rama Sofat Hospital

Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. 

The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods can result.

The cause of adenomyosis remains unknown, but the disease usually resolves after menopause. For women who have severe discomfort from adenomyosis, hormonal treatments can help. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) cures adenomyosis as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

Symptoms
Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, adenomyosis can cause:

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)

Chronic pelvic pain,your uterus might get bigger. Although you might not know if your uterus is enlarged, you may notice that your lower abdomen feels tender or causes pelvic pressure.


Causes
The cause of adenomyosis isn't known. There have been many theories, including:

Uterine incisions made during an operation such as a cesarean section (C-section) might promote the direct invasion of the endometrial cells into the wall of the uterus a brief explanation by Dr Rama Sofat..

Developmental origins. Other experts suspect that adenomyosis originates within the uterine muscle from endometrial tissue deposited there when the uterus first formed in the fetus.

Uterine inflammation related to childbirth. Another theory suggests a link between adenomyosis and childbirth.

Inflammation of the uterine lining during the postpartum period might cause a break in the normal boundary of cells that line the uterus. Surgical procedures on the uterus can have a similar effect.

Stem cell origins. A recent theory proposes that bone marrow stem cells might invade the uterine muscle, causing adenomyosis.
Regardless of how adenomyosis develops, its growth depends on the circulating estrogen in women's bodies.

Risk factors
Risk factors for adenomyosis include:

• Prior uterine surgery, such as a C-section or fibroid removal
• Childbirth
• Middle age

Most cases of adenomyosis — which depends on estrogen — are found in women in their 40s and 50s. Adenomyosis in these women could relate to longer exposure to estrogen compared with that of younger women.

However, current research suggests that the condition might be common in younger women.

Complications
If you often have prolonged, heavy bleeding during your periods, you can develop chronic anemia, which causes fatigue and other health problems.

Although not harmful, the pain and excessive bleeding associated with adenomyosis can disrupt your lifestyle. You might avoid activities you've enjoyed in the past because you're in pain or you worry you might start bleeding.