Adenomyosis

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial tissues that typically line the uterus grows into the muscular walls of the uterus. The displaced tissues then continue to act as it normally would, thickening and breaking down. This may lead to substantial and painful menstrual bleeding, as well as extended menstrual periods.
 

What are the symptoms of Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis may be asymptomatic or only exhibit mild discomfort. However, you may also experience symptoms such as:

• Blood clots during menstrual bleeding
• Longer that normal menstrual cycles
• Severe cramps 
• Knife-like pelvic and abdominal pain during menstruation
• Prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding
• Painful intercourse
   

What causes Adenomyosis?

Doctors and researchers are not sure what causes Adenomyosis but there are some theories, including:

• Invasive tissue growth: If you have surgery on your uterus, such as a C-section, endometrial cells from your uterine lining may invade and spread into the walls of your uterus.
• Inflammation after childbirth: Your uterine lining may get inflamed after childbirth, which may result in a breakdown in the barrier between the uterus' lining and muscle wall. 
• Developmental origins: Some experts suspect that some may be born with endometrial tissue already deposited in their uterus. 

What are the risk factors of Adenomyosis?

Most cases of Adenomyosis are found in women aged 40-50 and could be due to older women being exposed to estrogen for a longer period of time as compared to younger women. Other risk factors include:

• Prior uterine surgery such as C-section
• Childbirth

How is Adenomyosis diagnosed?

Imaging Tests
An ultrasound may be done to check for growths or tumours in the uterus. An MRI may also be done if a diagnosis is not possible with an ultrasound.

Physical Examination
A pelvic examination may be done to check the uterus for swelling.