Uterine adenomyosis, often called adenomyosis, is a health condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscle walls of the uterus. This usually leads to an enlarged uterus and can result in heavy, painful periods.
Adenomyosis requires medication or surgery to remedy.
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In most healthy women of childbearing age, the uterine lining builds inside the uterus each cycle. If an egg isn't fertilized in the uterus, the lining will shed and cause menstruation. A new uterine lining then begins to build up again for the next cycle.
But for people with uterine adenomyosis, the uterine lining instead begins growing into the muscle walls of the uterus, causing pain and discomfort. While not much is known about the condition, it can be treated with medications or a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
Without proper treatment, the symptoms of adenomyosis may worsen and hinder daily life.
This condition has been historically under-reported and under-diagnosed, but current estimates point to adenomyosis affecting 20% to 35% of women.
Doctors are still trying to learn more about this condition, but believe some factors are linked to uterine adenomyosis.
They may be:
Currently, researchers aren’t certain how the cells lining the uterus enter the muscles. The condition usually goes away after menopause.
Uterine adenomyosis can happen to any person with a uterus. But you may be at a higher risk for adenomyosis if you:
If left untreated, adenomyosis symptoms can worsen and begin to interfere with your daily life. Adenomyosis has been known to occur with endometriosis and fibroids, causing more complications if left undiagnosed.
Since doctors still don’t know much about why this condition occurs, there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. It’s always important to focus on your physical and mental health, especially if you're planning to get pregnant.
While some people with adenomyosis never experience symptoms, many people with this condition may have:
Make an appointment with your ob-gyn or women's health provider if you're experiencing adenomyosis symptoms. Your doctor can help diagnose your discomfort and discuss treatment plans.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of adenomyosis, such as an enlarged uterus. They'll also ask questions about your menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
Specifically, they'll want to know about:
Your doctor my order the following tests to help determine adenomyosis:
Your doctor may also insert a hysteroscope into your uterus through the vagina to look for evidence of uterine adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis can't be fully diagnosed unless you have a hysterectomy, and a pathologist examines the uterus under a microscope.
If your adenomyosis isn't causing symptoms, or if you're not trying to get pregnant or are close to menopause, treatment isn't necessary.
But for people who need treatment, it will depend on the severity of symptoms and their history. Adenomyosis treatment options include medication and surgery.
If you have adenomyosis, your doctor may prescribe:
There are two main types of surgery for adenomyosis:
You can choose what treatment option works best for you based on your history with adenomyosis and your family plan. A hysterectomy is the best option for women who don't want to become pregnant in the future, while medications should be tried first if you're planning on becoming pregnant.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.
