Adenomyosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

The womb of a woman has different parts. The inner part (endometrium) and muscle layer (myometrium). Adenomyosis is a medical condition, whereby glands & tissues from this inner layer (endometrium) are found in the muscle layer (myometrium).

This condition is commonly found in women with more than one child, between the ages of 30 and early 40s.

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a medical condition in women that results from the movement of the soft endometrial tissue (the tissue that is normally found inside the womb) to the muscle layer of the womb. These tissues, despite moving from the inside to the muscle of the womb, continue to act normally as though it is still inside the womb, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding, like in every menstrual cycle. This can give rise to a swollen abdomen due to an enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods.

Causes of Adenomyosis

It is not clear yet, what causes adenomyosis, but the condition normally regresses following menopause.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Due to the endometrial tissues found in the myometrium, a lady may have symptoms such as:

• severe pain throughout menses (dysmenorrhea)
• uterine enlargement (while you may not notice if your womb is bigger or not, you may notice some form of pain or pressure in your lower abdomen.)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during Sexual Intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

all as a result of bleeding within the myometrium.

Treatment of Adenomyosis

Any woman with this condition should see a doctor immediately, especially if you have prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding during your menstrual periods that affects your regular activities. Your doctor would examine you and then guide you on the best possible treatment option for you.

Available options include:
Medication: such as contraceptives,
Surgery: the removal of the womb, known as hysterectomy is the only permanent treatment. This should only be considered if you feel you have completed your family line and you do not wish to get pregnant again.

Note that, immediately you stop taking your treatments, the symptoms will return immediately.

Complications of Adenomyosis

As a result of the prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding seen in this condition, you may develop anaemia (of chronic disorders), which may cause fatigue and other health problems.

Remember to always see your doctor whenever you notice any changes in your body.

Feel free to ask any questions below.