Adenomyosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into the uterine muscle wall. This can make the uterus thicker and bigger, sometimes up to two or three times its normal size. Adenomyosis can cause painful periods, heavy or long-lasting menstrual bleeding with blood clots, and pain in the belly or pelvic area.
What are the symptoms of Adenomyosis?
Painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
Irregular menstruation
Pelvic pain, which may occur with or without severe cramping
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Infertility
An enlarged uterus
Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen (often referred to as "adenomyosis belly")
What causes Adenomyosis?
Doctors do not know exactly why some people get adenomyosis. Some research suggests that hormones, family history, or swelling and injury might play a role.
What are the risk factors associated with this condition?
Adenomyosis most often affects women and people assigned female at birth who:
Are between 40 and 50 years of age.
Have had one or more births.
Have had other surgeries on the uterus, such as removing fibroids or a procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C).
Have endometriosis.
However, doctors are now finding more cases of adenomyosis in people as young as 30 who have unusual vaginal bleeding or painful periods.
What are the complications of Adenomyosis?
The symptoms of adenomyosis often get worse over time. Heavy menstrual bleeding from adenomyosis can cause anemia, which means you do not have enough red blood cells with iron in your body. Anemia can make you feel tired or cold.
Can Adenomyosis turn cancerous?
No. Adenomyosis itself isn't a reason to cause any cancer or lead up to cancer.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Healthcare providers may suspect Adenomyosis based on your symptoms and one or more diagnostic tests.
Pelvic Exam: During this exam, your provider might find that your uterus is larger, softer, or painful when touched.
Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your pelvic organs. These images can sometimes show if your uterine wall is thicker than normal.
Imaging Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can reveal if your uterus is enlarged and if certain areas are thicker.
A biopsy may be done to eliminate the possibility of more serious conditions. In a biopsy, your provider takes a small tissue sample and checks it for signs of more serious diseases.
How is Adenomyosis managed or treated?
Symptoms of adenomyosis usually get better after menopause because estrogen helps the tissue grow. Until then, these treatments can help with pain, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms:
Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®), are effective in relieving cramps.
Hormonal medications: Some hormonal medications can help with menstruation and abnormal bleeding. These include birth control pills, Depo-Provera® injection, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), such as Mirena®.
Non-Hormonal Medication: Medications such as tranexamic acid can help reduce vaginal bleeding.
Adenomyomectomy: This surgery removes adenomyosis from the muscle of the uterus. It is similar to a surgery called myomectomy, which removes growths called fibroids from the uterus.
Hysterectomy: This surgery involves the removal of the uterus. After undergoing a hysterectomy, you will no longer have menstrual cycles and will be unable to become pregnant.
What can happen if adenomyosis is not treated?
If adenomyosis is not treated, it can make it hard to get pregnant or can cause miscarriage, because the embryo may have trouble attaching to the lining of the uterus. Other problems can include ongoing pain in the pelvic area or belly.
How can I prevent Adenomyosis?
Because the cause of adenomyosis is not known, doctors do not have advice on how to prevent it.
What should I expect if I have this?
Most women feel better after getting treatment for the symptoms of adenomyosis. When you reach menopause, your symptoms should go away, but your uterus may still be larger than normal.
How might Adenomyosis affect pregnancy?
Adenomyosis often happens in women who have had at least one baby. However, this condition can make it hard to get pregnant or have another child. If you do get pregnant, you have a higher risk of:
Miscarriage.
Preterm labor.
Living With
When to Call a doctor?
Call your doctor if you have:
Heavy menstrual periods.
Severe abdominal cramps.
Pain during intercourse.
A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen.
Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Adenomyosis treatment in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Adenomyosis treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynaecologists and women’s health specialists who provide accurate diagnosis with advanced scans, personalized medical care, and uterus-preserving surgical treatment whenever possible. Our Gynecology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Adenomyosis in Lucknow, India.
To seek an Expert Consultation for Adenomyosis treatment in Lucknow, India: