ADENOMYOSIS

What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is when tissue similar to the lining of your uterus (endometrium) starts to grow into
the muscle wall of your uterus (myometrium). It causes your uterus to thicken and enlarge
sometimes, up to double or triple its usual size. Adenomyosis can cause painful periods, heavy
or prolonged menstrual bleeding with clotting and abdominal/pelvic pain.

What are the signs of adenomyosis?

About 1 in 3 people with adenomyosis don’t have signs or symptoms. Some people experience:

● Painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).

● Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
● Abnormal menstruation.
● Pelvic pain with or without severe cramping.
● Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
● Infertility.
● Enlarged uterus.
● Bloating or fullness in your belly (adenomyosis belly).
What causes adenomyosis?
Researchers don’t know why some people develop adenomyosis or what causes it. However,
some research suggests hormones, genetics or inflammation/trauma may contribute to
adenomyosis

What are the risk factors for this condition?

Adenomyosis most commonly occurs in women and people AFAB who:

● Are between the ages of 40 and 50.

● Have given birth at least once.
● Have had prior uterine surgeries such as uterine fibroid removal or dilation and curettage
(D&C).
● Have endometriosis.

How is adenomyosis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers often suspect adenomyosis based on your symptoms and one or more of
these tests:

● Pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, your provider may notice that your uterus has gotten
larger, softer or is painful to the touch.
● Ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of your
pelvic organs. These images can sometimes show thickening of your uterine wall.
● Imaging scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can show uterine
enlargement and thickening of certain areas of your uterus.

How is adenomyosis managed or treated?

● Pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen

ease cramping.
● Hormonal medications: Certain hormonal medications can help with menstruation and
abnormal bleeding. Options include birth control pills, Depo-Provera® injection and
hormonal intrauterine devices (IUD), such as Mirena®.
● Non Hormonal medication: Medications like tranexamic acid can reduce the amount of
vaginal bleeding.
● Adenomyomectomy: Surgery to remove adenomyosis from your uterine muscle. This
procedure is similar to a myomectomy, which removes uterine fibroids.
● Hysterectomy: This surgery removes your uterus. After a hysterectomy, you won’t have
a menstrual cycle or be able to get pregnant