Adenomyosis is a condition that affects your uterus (womb). It happens when the cells that line your uterus grow into the muscle wall of your uterus.
It is a different condition to endometriosis. You may have endometriosis and adenomyosis at the same time. The symptoms can be similar.
Adenomyosis is usually diagnosed in women over age 30. It can affect anyone who has periods.
Symptoms of adenomyosis
Adenomyosis can cause:
Other symptoms of adenomyosis may be:
- periods that last longer than usual
- pelvic pain that does not go away
- a bloated, heavy or full feeling in your tummy
- pain during sex
Some people with adenomyosis may not have symptoms.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- your pelvic or period pain is worse than usual
- pain medicine does not help
- your periods become more heavy, painful or irregular
- you have pain during sex
- heavy periods are affecting your life
- you have had heavy periods for some time
- you have felt bloated for about 3 weeks
- you bleed between periods or after sex
How adenomyosis is diagnosed
Your GP may:
- ask about your periods
- feel your tummy (abdomen) for swelling or bloating
- ask to do an internal exam - to check your vagina and cervix (the opening between the vagina and the womb)
You may need further tests to:
- find out the cause of your symptoms
- rule out similar conditions, such as endometriosis
Tests may include an:
- ultrasound scan
- MRI scan
Treatments for adenomyosis
Your GP may:
- prescribe medicines
- refer you to a gynaecologist - if your symptoms do not improve
The treatment you get will depend on your:
- symptoms
- life stage - for example, if you plan to get pregnant
Treatments include:
- medicines, such as tranexamic acid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- other hormonal treatments - such as the progestogen-only pill, or the combined contraceptive pill or patch
- the IUS (intrauterine system or hormonal coil) - this thins the womb lining and makes your periods lighter and less painful
If these treatments do not work, you may need surgery.
This could be:
- an endometrial ablation - surgery to remove the lining of your uterus
- a hysterectomy - surgery to remove the uterus
How to ease symptoms of adenomyosis yourself
There are things you can do to ease period pain or pelvic pain caused by adenomyosis.
Do
-
use a heat pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen (tummy)
-
try a TENS machine - a small device that uses mild electrical impulses to reduce pain
-
take pain medicine, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Cause of adenomyosis
It is not clear what causes adenomyosis.
You may be more likely to get it if you:
- are over age 30
- have had surgery or other procedures on your uterus (womb)