In recent years, the lack of research and funding into women's health [1] has been headline news. Conditions such as endometriosis [2] are now getting the recognition they desperately need. But there are other conditions that aren't in the spotlight as much but affecting a large number of women, one of which being adenomyosis. Adenomyosis can exist on its own or with other conditions like endometriosis.
What is adenomyosis?
"Adenomyosis is the medical term for when the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus," Bupa experts told POPSUGAR. This can result in a uniformly enlarged uterus, causing a number of symptoms like heavy bleeding.
Who can get adenomyosis?
Any woman of reproductive age can get adenomyosis. "It's a common condition that usually affects middle-aged women, and some say women who have had children are more likely to be affected."
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, and bloating. Other symptoms can include back pain, pain during sex, and also stomach tenderness.
What is the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis?
Both conditions are known to cause pain; however, adenomyoisis is the cause of heavy bleeding, which isn't always found with endometriosis. While endometriosis and adenomyosis share similar symptoms, they affect the uterus in different ways. Endometriosis develops outside of the uterus and adenomyosis affects the wall of the uterus. Endometriosis is known to cause infertility more often than those with adenomyosis but each individual is affected differently.
Diagnosis
Much like endometriosis, adenomyosis can only be definitively diagnosed with surgery and the only complete cure for adenomyosis is a hysterectomy.
If you think you might have adenomyosis, speak to your GP for a diagnosis and to find out how to treat it. To get the most our of your appointment, try tracking your symptoms to give your medical professional a better picture of how they are impacting your day-to-day life.