You have probably heard of Endometriosis – but what about its ‘poor cousin’ that impacts even more women?
Adenomyosis is a painful condition that impacts even more women than Endometriosis, but experts say there is still ‘an appalling lack’ of knowledge and awareness of the disease. It impacts an estimated one-in-five to one-in-three women, while endometriosis affects about one-in-nine women.
The symptoms of severe cases of adenomyosis often tend to be even worse than endometriosis – causing heavy bleeding as well as severe period pain – and treatment paths are not as widely known as those for its ‘cousin’.
In women with endometriosis, cells like those that line the uterus have grown outside of the uterus, usually in other parts of the pelvis.
In women with adenomyosis, the endometrial tissue has grown in the wall of the uterus itself, causing inflammation, cysts, and scars. It is believed many women who have endometriosis also have adenomyosis. A German study of 143 women with these symptoms found more than four in five women had both adenomyosis and endometriosis.
What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
The main symptoms are severe period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Symptoms can also include premenstrual bloating and pelvic pain, and pain during sex.
Why is adenomyosis difficult to diagnose?
Adenomyosis symptoms are like several other health conditions, meaning it is hard to pinpoint. The disease can be missed by a pelvic ultrasound but can be confirmed by an MRI or keyhole surgery called laparoscopy.
How is adenomyosis treated?
Anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen, can be used to relieve the pain, while hormone medications, such as contraceptive methods, are also recommended to reduce pain and bleeding. Intrauterine system (IUS), such as the Mirena coil, has also proven beneficial.
Uterine artery embolization (UAE), which is a safe radiological intervention, has also been used to beneficial effect. However, in some severe cases, hysterectomy – the surgical removal of the woman’s uterus – has been the only permanent solution.