ABOUT THE DISEASE
Adenomyosis is thickening of the uterus, a condition in which the endometrium that lines the uterus, grows into the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This endometrial tissue behaves like the normal one showing thickening, breaking down and bleeding, during each menstrual cycle. The condition can be located throughout the entire uterus or localized in one spot, known as adenomyoma.
Though adenomyosis is a benign condition, the frequent pain and heavy bleeding associated with it can have a negative impact on a woman`s quality of life. The problem is typically found in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
SYMPTOMS
Most women with adenomyosis do not have any symptoms.Others may have:
- • Prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding
- • Painful menstruation
- • Pain during sex
- • Abdominal tenderness
CAUSES
The cause of adenomyosis is not fully understood. It is believed to result because of damage to the inner wall of the uterus during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or a surgical procedure.
Since its growth depends on the circulating estrogen, it is seen to reduce at menopause.
DIAGNOSIS
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound scan
- Histology (Endometrial Biopsy)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus
TREATMENT METHODS
Women with mild forms of this condition may not require any treatment.
Treatment if needed, includes:
• Anti-Inflammatory Medications
• Hormonal Treatment
• Uterine artery embolization
• Hysterectomy
You may also like to learn about:
Uterine fibroids
Dysmenorrhea
Menorrhagia
Menopause
Infertility
Dyspareunia