Introduction

Adenomyosis happens when the endometrial tissue which  lines uterus develop within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This displaced endometrial tissue keeps on acting normally; breaking down, thickening, and bleeding during every menstrual cycle. This tends to result in heavier and more painful periods.

The symptoms may surface later in the childbearing ages after giving birth to children. Unfortunately, causes of adenomyosis remains unknown. The good news is, the disease vanishes afte menopause.

Symptoms

In most cases symptoms of adenomyosis are silent. There may be no signs and symptoms, jut some mildly uncomfortable feelings. But in some cases, the symptoms might be:

• Menstrual cramps that exist throughout one’s period and get worse with age
• Pain during intercourse
• Blood clots that occur during a period
• Prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding
• Sharp or severe cramping during mensuration.

Another physical symptom that you can see is that your lower abdomen will feel tender and appear more significant.  

Causes of Adenomyosis

As earlier mentioned, the reasons of adenomyosis are unknown. There are theories about possible causes. Four of these possible causes are:

• Stems Cells Origins: They suggest that bone marrow stem cells may invade the uterine muscle
• Invasive Tissue Organ: That is the direct invasion of endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus into the muscle that develops uterine wall.  
• Uterine Inflammation Associated With Childbirth: An inflammation of the uterine lining which occurs during the postpartum period.
• Developmental Origin: When endometrial tissue deposits within the uterine muscle when the uterus first developed in the fetus.

Other Risk Factor: Middle age, prior uterine surgery, and childbirth.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis may be supported by the following investigations:

• Ultrasound Imaging of the uterus
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the uterus
• Pelvic examination to detect uterus enlargement or tenderness.

Finally, a doctor might conclude that your symptoms are results of adenomyosis if there no other cause for your symptoms or signs.

Management And Treatment

Adenomyosis disappears after reaching menopause so the treatment you choose will depend on your closeness to that stage. Below are some of the treatments options available.

• Hormone Medications: Combined oral contraceptive, progestin only contraceptives, estrogen antagonists
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs such as ibuprofen can help control the pain
• Hysterectomy: Definitive treatment.

Best Ways to Prevent Adenomyosis

Even though there is no proven cause, there are some options which could be adopted to ease the pains and prevent further complications.

• Use of a heating pad on your abdomen
• Always soak yourself in a warm bath
• Using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills
• Finally, always manage your stress and exercise regularly.

You can make an appointment with Dr Kenny on 07 3188 5000.