What is adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis occurs when the cells that normally line the uterus also grow in the layer of muscle in the wall of the uterus.

Adenomyosis is only seen in women in their reproductive years because it requires the hormone oestrogen to grow. It eventually goes away after menopause when oestrogen production drops.

It can cause enlargement of the uterus and heavy periods.

If you have adenomyosis, you might also have a similar condition called endometriosis.

What causes adenomyosis?

It is not certain how or why the uterus-lining cells enter the muscle wall. It is thought that they might enter:

• during surgery
• early in the development of the foetus
• after childbirth when the wall of the uterus is weakened by inflammation

It sometimes happens after:

• the birth of a baby
• surgery involving the uterus, such as caesarean section or removal of fibroids

Adenomyosis symptoms

Often, symptoms start late in the childbearing years after women have children. Women with adenomyosis might have:

• heavy periods
• painful periods
• pain during sex
• bleeding between periods
• tiredness from the anaemia caused by blood loss

The symptoms might be mild, but they can be severe enough to interfere with work and your enjoyment of life.

Adenomyosis diagnosis

Your doctor will talk to you and examine you. You might also be asked to have scans. Adenomyosis often takes time to diagnose.

Adenomyosis treatment

You can ease the symptoms by:

• anti-inflammatory medicines
• warm baths and heat packs
• hormone treatment
• insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone progesterone

Hysterectomy is an option for women with severe adenomyosis.