Adenomyosis is a thickening of the walls of the uterus. It occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the outer muscular walls of the uterus. Endometrial tissue forms the lining of the uterus.
Endometriosis interna; Adenomyoma; Pelvic pain - 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.
In many cases, there are no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
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.
Mathilde Bourdon is in Paris, France. Bourdon is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Adenomyosis. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, Infertility, and Mittelschmerz.
Pietro Santulli is in Paris, France. Santulli is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Adenomyosis. He is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Infertility, and Mittelschmerz.
Caterina Exacoustos is in Rome, Italy. Exacoustos is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Adenomyosis. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Adenomyosis, Endometriosis, Menorrhagia, and Leiomyosarcoma.
Symptoms most often go away after menopause. Surgery to remove the uterus often gets you rid of symptoms completely.
Call your provider if you develop symptoms of adenomyosis.
Published Date: March 31, 2020
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda Center for Fertility, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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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.