Understanding a common but often misdiagnosed cause of heavy, painful periods
Understanding a common but often misdiagnosed cause of heavy, painful periods
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not delay care.
Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue (the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). This causes the uterus to thicken and enlarge, sometimes doubling or tripling in size.
Historically thought to affect only older women who had given birth, recent research shows adenomyosis can affect up to 30% of women younger than 40 years. About 30% of women with adenomyosis have no symptoms, while others experience significant pain and bleeding.
Adenomyosis can significantly impact daily life through:
Many women live with these symptoms for years before diagnosis, often being told their pain is "normal" or that heavy bleeding is "just how some women are."
Note: Up to 30% of women with adenomyosis are asymptomatic. Having no symptoms doesn't mean you don't have the condition if it's found on imaging.
Diagnosis has improved significantly with advances in imaging technology. Non-invasive imaging can now diagnose adenomyosis clinically without requiring hysterectomy.
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): Can detect enlarged uterus, asymmetric myometrial thickening, and heterogeneous muscle texture. Sensitivity of 83.8%, specificity of 63.9%.
MRI: Most accurate imaging for adenomyosis. Provides detailed view of uterine muscle and can differentiate adenomyosis from fibroids or endometriosis.
Note: Definitive diagnosis still requires tissue examination after hysterectomy, but imaging findings are now sufficient for clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Treatment depends on symptom severity, desire for future pregnancy, and proximity to menopause (symptoms typically resolve after menopause). This is educational information only - treatment decisions should be made with your healthcare provider.
Note on fertility: Adenomyosis may affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Specialized fertility evaluation may be warranted if pregnancy is desired.
This educational content cannot and does not:
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical evaluation and treatment decisions.
Frequently coexists with adenomyosis. Learn about symptoms and diagnosis.
Scripts for requesting imaging and specialist referrals
Understanding pelvic imaging and when to request it
Evidence-based nutrition strategies for managing symptoms