What is Adenomyosis?

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a disorder of the uterus (womb) in which cells that are present in the muscle wall of the uterus are also found to be comparable to those found in the uterine lining.

Even though endometriosis is common in adenomyosis patients, they are two distinct diseases.

Similar to the cells that line the uterus, endometriosis cells can be seen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or tissue lining the pelvis (the peritoneum). Adenomyosis can happen anywhere in the muscle layer of the uterus' back wall, but it is more likely to happen there. Adenomyoma, a non-cancerous tumor, can develop if adenomyosis is concentrated in one location.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Occasionally, adenomyosis causes no sign or symptoms or just slight inconvenience. But if it is severe, you will see the symptoms. Symptoms like :

• Heavy periods
• Painful periods
• Pain during sex
• Anaemia or iron deficiency (due to heavy periods), and you may feel:

-tiredness

-dizzy

-Pelvic pain

Causes of Adenomyosis

Although the exact etiology of adenomyosis is uncertain, there are a few ideas, including:

• Surgery causes the lining cells to migrate into the muscle layer.
• Before birth, lining tissue was implanted into the uterine muscle.
• Following childbirth, inflammation of the uterine lining causes cells to migrate into the frail muscle layer.

Since estrogen is required for adenomyosis to develop, it exclusively affects females throughout their reproductive years, notably those between the ages of 30 and 50.

Risk factors of Adenomyosis

There are some factors that increases the risk of this condition.

Age: The older you get, the more your chances of having this condition. The condition is prevalent in women in their 30s and 40s.

Had a child: If you've given birth before, your risk of having this condition increases.

Genes

Having had uterine surgery: Like a cesarean delivery or surgery to remove uterine fibroids

Smoking

Impact on fertility

Adenomyosis may reduce the number of spontaneous and successful assisted pregnancies among women in their 30s and 40s. This is due to the possibility of altered sperm motility and embryo implantation into the uterine lining. If adenomyosis is present, the chance of miscarriage may also be increased.

Tests

A doctor's examination and imaging are typically part of the diagnostic evaluation. Your doctor will want to examine your body and your pelvis to see if your uterus is swollen or sensitive to touch. Adenomyosis patients can have uteruses that are double or triple the size of a healthy woman.

An ultrasound or an MRI scan are examples of imaging examinations that could be carried out.

Complications of Adenomyosis

The symptoms of Adenomyosis can affect the lifestyle negatively. Some women bleed and experience intense pelvic pain that can stop them from enjoying normal activities like sexual intercourse.

People with Adenomyosis are at risk of anaemia, which is due to the lack of blood. This condition can reduce the level of iron in the body. Without adequate iron, the body cannot make red blood cells. This can cause fatigue, dizziness and mood swing. Adenomyosis is also connected to anxiety, depression and irritability.

Effect on pregnancy

Adenomyosis affects women who have at least one child. Once you get pregnant, you are at risk of the following things:

• Miscarriage
• Preterm delivery

When do you go to the doctor

If you experience severe cramps, heavy periods and painful periods, which interfere with your daily work, contact the doctor immediately.

Treatment of Adenomyosis

The treatment of Adenomyosis is somewhat depends on the symptoms, the severity and if you want to get pregnant. The treatment for light symptoms is the use of heating pads and painkillers to reduce cramps.

Anti Inflammatory Medicines: -

anti-Inflammatory drugs are used for the treatment of Adenomyosis. Mefenamic acid (Ponstan®) or ibuprofen (Nurofen®) reduces period pain.

Hormone therapy: -

Symptoms like heavy bleeding or painful periods can be controlled with hormonal therapy such as IUD (which is inserted in the uterus).

Hysterectomy:-

Hysterectomy removes the uterus so Adenomyosis cannot come back. It is the best treatment for women who have no desire for children

Test

The following tests would be recommended for the diagnosis of Adenomyosis

• Blood Test
• MRI scan
• Pelvic ultrasound

After the diagnosis, you and your doctor will talk about the type of treatment you will need.

And your doctor will tell you if there is a need for a lifestyle change.

Frequently asked questions

Does Adenomyosis grow with time?

Yes, Adenomyosis is a progressive condition that increases with time.

Is Adenomyosis a tumor?

Yes, they a benign tumor

Can Adenomyosis change to endometriosis?

Adenomyosis is not the cause of endometriosis, but both of these conditions are quite similar.

Research related to Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a normal condition which affects 20-65% women around the world. Although this situation is not deadly, but it is extremely painful. In such a situation, tell the doctor about our symptoms. You can book an appointment from the comfort of your home.

Why choose Cicle ?

We at Cicle can help you with the diagnosis and treatment of Adenomyosis . All you have to do is contact our health coach and an appointment with a doctor will be made. To book an appointment with a doctor, click here