What is adenomyosis | Dr Rama Sofat Hospital

What is adenomyosis | Dr Rama Sofat Hospital

Adenomyosis is a condition that involves the encroachment, or movement, of the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus into the muscles of the uterus. This makes the uterine walls grow thicker. It may lead to heavy or longer-than-usual menstrual bleeding, as well as pain during your menstrual cycle or intercourse.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, it’s associated with increased levels of estrogen. Adenomyosis usually disappears after menopause (12 months after a woman’s final menstrual period). This is when estrogen levels decline.

There are several theories about what causes adenomyosis. These include:

extra tissues in the uterine wall, present before birth, that grow during adulthood



Risk factors for adenomyosis

The exact cause of adenomyosis is unknown. However, there are factors that put women at greater risk for the condition. These include:

• being in your 40s or 50s (before menopause)
• having children
• having had uterine surgery, such as a cesarean delivery or surgery to remove fibroids

Symptoms of this condition can be mild to severe. Some women may not experience any at all. The most common symptoms include:

• prolonged menstrual cramps
• spotting between periods
• heavy menstrual bleeding
• longer menstrual cycles than normal

Treatment options for adenomyosis

Women with mild forms of this condition may not require medical treatment. Your doctor may recommend treatment options if your symptoms interfere with your daily activities.

Treatments aimed at reducing the symptoms of adenomyosis include the following:

Anti-inflammatory medications
An example is ibuprofen. These medications can help to reduce blood flow during your period while also relieving severe cramps. The Mayo Clinic recommends starting anti-inflammatory medication two to three days before the start of your period and continuing to take it during your period. You should not use these medications if you’re pregnant.

Hormonal treatments
These include oral contraceptives (birth control pills), progestin-only contraceptives (oral, injection, or an intrauterine device), and GnRH-analogs such as Lupron (leuprolide). Hormonal treatments can help to control increased estrogen levels that may be contributing to your symptoms. Intrauterine devices, such as Mirena, can last up to five years.

Endometrial ablation
This involves techniques to remove or destroy the endometrium (lining of the uterine cavity). It’s an outpatient procedure with a short recovery time. However, this procedure may not work for everyone, since adenomyosis often invades the muscle more deeply.