If you want to know more about adenomysis diagnosis, then in this guide you would get to know everything about it and the causes behind it. Besides this, you would also get insights about when you should see a specialist.
Adenomyosis is basically a disease in which the uterus inner lining grows into muscular lining and causes a lot of concern. The following condition doesn’t cause cancer but the life of a person can be severely impacted due to this. It can cause chronic pain, heavy menstruation cycle as well as difficulties in fertility as well. So, in order to deal with this condition, you would need assistance from adenomyosis specialist. So, in the following article, we would talk in length about the causes of Adenomysis and when you should consult with a specialist.
What Is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a medical condition in which tissue of uterus lining starts growing into the uterus muscle wall. Due to this, the uterus starts to grow thick as well as gets enlarged up to triple of its original size. It can further lead to very painful periods as well as prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding alongside pelvic pain and clotting. It is more common in women who are middle aged as well as women who have gone through uterine surgery as well as child birth.
Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis: What’s the Difference?
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are different in several important ways.
Where the Tissue Grows
In endometriosis, the same cells that line the womb grow outside it. This growth can affect nearby organs such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and bladder, which can make it very difficult to get pregnant.
In adenomyosis, on the contrary, the cells that line the uterus grow deep into the uterus’s muscular wall and make it thicker.
How the Symptoms Differ
Endometriosis irritates and inflames nearby tissues and can lead to scarring. Some of the symptoms you may notice are leg or back pain, belly pain, vomiting, nausea and heavy menstrual bleeding.
With adenomyosis, on the other hand, the womb itself becomes bigger and thicker, which sets it apart from endometriosis. Because the uterus is enlarged, it puts significant pressure on the rectum and bladder. It can also lead to painful and heavy periods.
What Causes Adenomyosis?
- Genetic Factor
Genetic factors can contribute towards adenomysis as it can typically run into families.
- Inflammation
If chronic inflammation is present inside the uterus, then it can lead towards adenomyosis development.
- Uterine Surgery
Uterine surgeries such as LSCS and myomectomies can cause uterine lining disruptions and further causing the endometrial tissue to occupy the wall of muscle.
- Age
Age is another factor behind adenomyosis and it commonly occurs in women who are in the age group of 30s and 40s although the problem of adenomyosis can occur to women of any age.
- Imbalance in Hormones
One of the reasons for adenomyosis is imbalances in Hormones. This can be due to PCOS or hormonal therapies such as oestrogen replacement therapy.
- Influence of Hormones
Adenomysis can be driven through hormonal factors such as oestrogen. Women who are obese can stimulate the endometrial tissue growth within the uterus muscle wall.
Who Is at Risk of Adenomyosis?
Anyone can develop adenomyosis, but there are certain risk factors you should keep in mind. Let us have a look:
Women Aged 40–50
The problem is more common in women between 40 and 50 years of age, especially in the years leading up to menopause. If you are in this age group and have symptoms, it is recommended that you consult an adenomyosis specialist.
History of Uterine Surgery
Major operations such as fibroid removal and C-sections can weaken the uterine wall and increase the chances of developing adenomyosis.
Multiple Pregnancies
Women who have had more than one pregnancy are at a much higher risk of adenomyosis. During pregnancy, the uterus stretches and changes shape, which can let endometrial cells migrate into the muscle wall.
When to See an Adenomyosis Specialist?
- Pain in Pelvic Region
If a woman is suffering from adenomyosis, then she may experience pelvic discomfort or pain which can range from mild to severe. The pain can be aching, dull or like a cramp. Further, it can get worse during the time of menstruation. It is recommended that you visit an adenomyosis specialist immediately if you witness significant pain in the pelvic region.
- Changes in Menstrual cycle
One of the common symptoms that are associated with adenomyosis is prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding. There are some women who might go through irregular bleeding clots or periods during the time of menstruation.
- Pelvic Pressure
With adenomyosis, you would feel the sensation of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area especially during the time of menstruation.
- Uterus gets enlarged
If you are suffering from adenomyosis, then the uterus can become large in size which can become noticeable with MRI or ultrasound.
- Pain during the time of intercourse
In adenomyosis, there are few women who might experience discomfort or pain during the time of sexual intercourse.
- Pain in back region
You may feel the pain associated with adenomyosis radiating to the thighs or lower back.
- Fatigue
Due to pelvic pain as well as heavy menstrual cycle, some women might feel low in energy level as well as fatigue.
Overview of Diagnosis & Treatment Options
- Hormonal medicines
Patches, Pills as well as hormonal IUDs can assist in making the lining of the uterine thin. Due to this, bleeding and pain is significantly reduced during the time of menstruation.
- Uterine Artery Embolization
It is a procedure that is minimally invasive that can block the supply of blood leading to adenomyotic tissue and thus due to the process the tissue shrinks.
- Endometrial Ablation
With the help of this procedure, the uterus lining is destroyed or removed. It works in most of the cases but can fail if adenomyosis is fixed into the muscle.
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Using the Anti-Inflammatory drugs, the sharp pain that is caused due to menstruation can be reduced significantly.
- Hysterectomy
It is one of the best medical procedures for adenomyosis if the case is very severe or other treatments are not working properly.
- Regular Exercise
The patient needs to indulge in regular activities or exercise such as swimming, walking, and yoga. It helps in menstrual cramps reduction as with exercise blood flow gets increased as well as production of endorphins also gets boosted which acts as a painkiller.
- Proper Diet
Systematic inflammation can significantly be reduced with proper diet. In addition, you need to increase the intake of omega-3 while reducing the consumption of processed foods.
- Management of Stress
If an individual is stressed, then cortisol level gets increased which causes even more pain. So, you should indulge in meditation, proper sleep and mindfulness such that the body can be in a very good condition.
- Heat Therapy
If you place a heating pad on the lower abdomen, then pain can be relieved with regards to uterine spasms.
FAQ – Adenomyosis Specialist
Q) What is the main cause of adenomyosis?
Some of the major causes behind adenomyosis are inflammation during childbirth, uterine surgery, stem cells and developmental factors.
Q) At what age is adenomyosis most common?
Adenomyosis can happen in women at any age but mostly it happens in women who are in their 40s and 50s.
Q) Is adenomyosis the same as endometriosis?
In the case of adenomyosis, the tissue grows inside the womb muscular wall while in the case of endometriosis, the tissue tends to grow outside the organs or womb such as bladder or ovaries.
Consult an Adenomyosis Specialist at Treatment Range Hospitals
Adenomyosis can severely affect the uterus and lead to heavy periods, severe pelvic pain and cramping. It may not be life-threatening, but it can have a major psychological, physical and reproductive impact.
So, it is important to understand the condition in order to manage it well. With early treatment and a proper treatment plan, the symptoms can be managed effectively. The right lifestyle changes, together with the right medical care, also make a big difference.
Our team of adenomyosis specialists at Treatment Range Hospitals can help you manage the problem effectively and will guide you through the full course of treatment you need. So, connect with our team to start your adenomyosis treatment right away.
