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.
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.
Symptoms most often go away after menopause. Surgery to remove the uterus gets you rid of symptoms completely.
Call your provider if you develop symptoms of adenomyosis.
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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.