Adenomyosis

What is the definition of Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a thickening of the walls of the uterus. It occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the outer muscular walls of the uterus. This tissue forms the lining of the uterus.

What are the alternative names for Adenomyosis?

Endometriosis interna; Adenomyoma; Pelvic pain - adenomyosis

What are the causes for Adenomyosis?

The cause is not known. Sometimes, adenomyosis may cause the uterus to grow in size.

The disease most often occurs in women ages 35 to 50 who have had at least one pregnancy.

What are the symptoms for Adenomyosis?

In many cases, there are no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:

• Long-term or heavy menstrual bleeding
• Painful menstrual periods, which gets worse
• Pelvic pain during intercourse

What are the current treatments for Adenomyosis?

Most women have some adenomyosis as they get close to menopause. However, only a few will have symptoms. Most women do not need treatment.

Birth control pills and an IUD that has progesterone can help decrease heavy bleeding. Medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also help manage symptoms.

Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) may be done in women with severe symptoms.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Adenomyosis?

Symptoms most often go away after menopause. Surgery to remove the uterus gets you rid of symptoms completely.

When should I contact a medical professional for Adenomyosis?

Call your provider if you develop symptoms of adenomyosis.

REFERENCES

Brown D, Levine D. The uterus. In: Rumack CM, Levine D, eds. Diagnostic ultrasound. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 15.

Bulun SE. Physiology and pathology of the female reproductive axis. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

Dolan MS, Hill C, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary, ultrasound imaging of pelvic structures. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 18.

Gambone JC. Endometriosis and adenomyosis. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 25.