Adenomyosis

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Adenomyosis is a common co-condition of endometriosis

Adenomyosis can be a huge source of pelvic pain. Adenomyosis is not the same disease as endometriosis – although some people say it’s endometriosis of the uterus, it’s not. Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma found within the myometrium. There are different types of adenomyosis: diffuse and focal.

Adenomyosis can have overlapping symptoms with endometriosis, and for some people is a source of continued pelvic pain post-excision. 

How is it diagnosed?

A confirmed diagnosis is only made through biopsy and a pathology report. Doctors can suspect endometriosis through clinical symptoms and signs. Imaging like ultrasound and MRI can sometimes detect signs of adenomyosis. It’s important to know that it’s highly dependent on multiple factors, such as the adenomyosis itself, the machine being used, and the person reading the images. Negative imagining can not rule out adenomyosis.

Who can get adenomyosis?

It is a myth that adenomyosis is only found in people in their 40s and older, or people who have had children. Adenomyosis can be found in younger people as well as those who have never been pregnant.

What treatment options are there?

Unlike with endometriosis, a hysterectomy is a definitive treatment (cure) for the disease, as it is a disease of the uterus.

For those not wanting a hysterectomy, they can try to reduce symptoms using different options such as:

• the levonorgestrel-IUD
• birth controls
• progestins
• pain medications, especially NSAIDS
• TENS machine
• heating pad
• and more

The levonorgestrel-IUD is a helpful option for many people

“LNG-IUDs are currently the best-evaluated and most efficacious treatment of adenomyosis-related symptoms with a high rate of symptom improvement, minimal side effects, and an improvement in the quality of life that is similar to that of a hysterectomy.” (1)

You don’t have to use an IUD if you don’t want to. It’s not a requirement to use one if you have adenomyosis. It’s one of several options, and you need to find what is best for you.