Disease: Adenomyosis

    Overview

    Adenomyosis (ad-uh-no-my-O-sis) occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods can result.

    The cause of adenomyosis remains unknown, but the disease usually resolves after menopause. For women who have severe discomfort from adenomyosis, hormonal treatments can help. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) cures adenomyosis.

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

    Symptoms

    Sometimes, adenomyosis causes no signs or symptoms or only mild discomfort. However, adenomyosis can cause:

    • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
    • Severe cramping or sharp, knifelike pelvic pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
    • Chronic pelvic pain

    Your uterus might get bigger. Although you might not know if your uterus is enlarged, you may notice that your lower abdomen feels tender or causes pelvic pressure.

    When to see a doctor

    If you have prolonged, heavy bleeding or severe cramping during your periods that interferes with your regular activities, make an appointment to see your doctor.

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

    Causes

    The cause of adenomyosis isn't known. There have been many theories, including:

    • Invasive tissue growth. Some experts believe that adenomyosis results from the direct invasion of endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus into the muscle that forms the uterine walls. Uterine incisions made during an operation such as a cesarean section (C-section) might promote the direct invasion of the endometrial cells into the wall of the uterus.
    • Developmental origins. Other experts suspect that adenomyosis originates within the uterine muscle from endometrial tissue deposited there when the uterus first formed in the fetus.
    • Uterine inflammation related to childbirth. Another theory suggests a link between adenomyosis and childbirth. Inflammation of the uterine lining during the postpartum period might cause a break in the normal boundary of cells that line the uterus. Surgical procedures on the uterus can have a similar effect.
    • Stem cell origins. A recent theory proposes that bone marrow stem cells might invade the uterine muscle, causing adenomyosis.

    Regardless of how adenomyosis develops, its growth depends on the circulating estrogen in women's bodies.

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

    Diagnosis

    Your doctor may suspect adenomyosis based on:

    • Signs and symptoms
    • A pelvic exam that reveals an enlarged, tender uterus
    • Ultrasound imaging of the uterus
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the uterus

    In some instances, your doctor might collect a sample of uterine tissue for testing (endometrial biopsy) to verify that your abnormal uterine bleeding isn't associated with another serious condition. But an endometrial biopsy won't help your doctor confirm a diagnosis of adenomyosis.

    The only way to confirm adenomyosis is to examine the uterus after hysterectomy. However, pelvic imaging such as ultrasound and MRI can detect signs of it.

    Other uterine diseases can cause signs and symptoms similar to adenomyosis, making adenomyosis difficult to diagnose. Conditions include fibroid tumors (leiomyomas), uterine cells growing outside the uterus (endometriosis) and growths in the uterine lining (endometrial polyps).

    Your doctor might conclude that you have adenomyosis only after ruling out other possible causes for your signs and symptoms.

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

    Complications

    If you often have prolonged, heavy bleeding during your periods, you can develop chronic anemia, which causes fatigue and other health problems.

    Although not harmful, the pain and excessive bleeding associated with adenomyosis can disrupt your lifestyle. You might avoid activities you've enjoyed in the past because you're in pain or you worry you might start bleeding.

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

    Lifestyle and home remedies

    To ease pelvic pain and cramping related to adenomyosis, try these tips:

    • Soak in a warm bath.
    • Use a heating pad on your abdomen.
    • Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

    Risk factors

    Risk factors for adenomyosis include:

    • Prior uterine surgery, such as a C-section or fibroid removal
    • Childbirth
    • Middle age

    Most cases of adenomyosis — which depends on estrogen — are found in women in their 40s and 50s. Adenomyosis in these women could relate to longer exposure to estrogen compared with that of younger women. However, current research suggests that the condition might be common in younger women.

    Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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