Who is at risk of adenomyosis?

The term adenomyosis comes from the words:

• adeno – gland
• myo – muscle and
• osis – condition

Adenomyosis is a condition of the uterus (womb) where the cells that normally form a lining on the inside of the uterus also grow in the muscle wall of the uterus.

What is it?

Although women with adenomyosis often have endometriosis they are different conditions. With endometriosis, cells similar to those that line the uterus are found in other parts of the body such as the fallopian tubes, the ovaries or the tissue lining the pelvis (the peritoneum).

What causes it?

The cause of adenomyosis is unknown; however there are a number of theories:

• The lining cells invade into the muscle layer as a result of surgery
• Lining tissue was deposited into the uterine muscle early in foetal life, before birth
• Inflammation of the lining after childbirth causes cells to pass into the weakened muscle layer

Adenomyosis is only seen in women in their reproductive years because its growth requires oestrogen. After menopause adenomyosis usually goes away because of the lack of oestrogen.

Who is at risk of adenomyosis?

The known risks for developing adenomyosis are:

• previous surgery of the uterus such as a caesarean section or fibroid removal
• childbirth

Because of the link with childbirth or uterine surgery, adenomyosis is more likely to occur in women between 30-50 years.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most common symptoms are:

• abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding
• painful periods, often after years without pain
• pain with intercourse (dyspareunia)
• bleeding between periods
• on vaginal examination, the uterus feels enlarged and is often tender to touch
• excessive menstrual bleeding can lead to symptoms of anaemia (deficiency in the number of red blood cells) or iron deficiency such as:
  • tiredness
  • dizziness

Where does it occur?

Adenomyosis is most likely to occur in the muscle layer of the back wall of the uterus but can occur anywhere in the muscle layer.

If adenomyosis is concentrated in one area, it can lead to a mass called an adenomyoma.

What happens when you get a period?

The lining cells in the muscle undergo the same changes as the lining cells of the uterus. This means when you have your period, these cells also bleed but because they are trapped in the muscle layer they form little pockets of blood within the muscle.

How is adenomyosis diagnosed?

Adenomyosis may be difficult to diagnose. The main test recommended is a transvaginal ultrasound (the ultrasound  probe is placed in the vagina). The test should preferably be performed by a gynaecologist who specialises in ultrasound, as general ultrasonagraphers may be inexperienced in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can be useful in diagnosing adenomyosis because it collects pictures of soft tissue such as organs and muscles that don’t show up on x-ray examinations.

Adenomyosis is often only diagnosed by pathology tests conducted after the uterus has been removed (hysterectomy).

How is adenomyosis treated?

Adenomyosis is difficult to treat and it will disappear after menopause so management  will depend on your life stage.  The following are some treatment options:

For an adenomyoma (mass of adenomyosis in one area)

When to seek help

Seek help when your symptoms are:

• impacting on your health
• impacting on your ability to live your life normally
• interfering in your sexual function and relationship