Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis (ad-uh-no-my-O-sis) is a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting women of reproductive age. Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus.
Symptoms of Adenomyosis
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)
Severe Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)
Chronic Pain
Enlarged Uterus
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia)
Abnormal Bleeding
More Information
Causes of Adenomyosis
The exact cause of adenomyosis is not well understood, but several theories exist:
-
- Invasive Tissue Growth: Endometrial cells invade the uterine muscle.
- Uterine Inflammation: Inflammation related to childbirth or surgery.
- Developmental Origins: Endometrial tissue is present in the uterine lining during fetal development.
- Stem Cell Origins: Stem cells might establish themselves in the uterine muscle.
Risk Factors of Adenomyosis
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing adenomyosis, including:
-
- Age: Women in their 30s and 40s are at higher risk.
- Childbirth: Giving birth increases the risk.
- Uterine Surgery: Procedures like C-sections or fibroid removal can be contributing factors.
Diagnosing Adenomyosis
Diagnosing adenomyosis can be challenging due to its similarity to conditions like fibroids or endometriosis. Common diagnostic methods include:
-
- Physical Exam: A physical pelvic examination can detect an enlarged and tender uterus.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is considered highly effective in diagnosing adenomyosis.
- Ultrasound: Imaging can show uterine abnormalities, but it may not necessarily reveal adenomyosis.
- Endometrial Biopsy: A biopsy can rule out other conditions, but it is not typically used to diagnose adenomyosis.
Treatment Options for Adenomyosis
Treatment for adenomyosis depends on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s reproductive goals. Options include:
Medications:
-
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Help manage pain and temporarily reduce inflammation.
- Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and GnRH agonists can reduce heavy bleeding and pain.
Non-Invasive Procedures:
-
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): Shrinks the affected tissue by reducing blood flow to the adenomyosis.
Surgical Options:
-
- Endometrial Ablation: Removes the endometrial lining.
- Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus and is considered a definite cure for adenomyosis, however, this is usually the last option.
Natural Treatments for Adenomyosis
Lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help manage adenomyosis symptoms:
-
- Herbal remedies: Traditional herbs help to reduce inflammation and regulate heavy bleeding.
- Exercise: Strengthen the pelvic muscles to reduce pelvic pain and incorporate low impact movements to improve overall health.
- Dietary adjustments: A balanced diet containing anti-inflammatory foods can improve symptoms.
How can Harakaty help?
We have programs designed specifically for women that include a combination of low-intensity movement techniques to activate pelvic floor muscles, enhance neuromuscular control, and increase body strength. Multidimensional movements help reduce or eliminate symptoms such as chronic pain, limited mobility, inflammation, and restricted blood circulation.
