Adenomyosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Adenomyosis?

It is a benign uterine condition which occurs when tissue from the lining of your uterus grows into your uterine wall. It most often occurs late late in childbearing years and disappears after menopause.

Adenomyosis can cause painful periods, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding with clotting and abdominal/pelvic pain.

Symptoms

Most people may not get any adenomyosis symptoms. Those who do, experience these signs and symptoms:

• Menstrual cramps which can be painful (dysmenorrhea)

• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)

• Infertility

• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)

• Enlarged uterus

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Abdominal bloating

Diagnosis

After reviewing your symptoms, the doctor will conduct the below tests for diagnosing adenomyosis —

1. Physical examination:

This is the first step in which your doctor will feel the uterus. If it is soft, enlarged, and painful when touched, then you may have adenomyosis.

2. Ultrasound:

This will help your doctor see the uterus and check if you have signs of adenomyosis. This may not confirm the diagnosis but help rule out other conditions.

3. MRI scan:

This scan will provide high-resolution images of the uterus and show if it is enlarged and thickened in some areas.

Treatment Options

Adenomyosis treatment can help manage the symptoms associated with this ailment. The treatment options are —

• Medications:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will help relieve menstrual cramps and pain. The medication has to be taken 1-2 days before your period starts and continue for the first few days.

• Hormone medications:

Birth control pills, progestin-only contraceptives, or a hormone-releasing intrauterine device can help reduce heavy bleeding and cramps during periods.

• Non-hormonal medication:

Non-hormonal medications can help reduce heavy bleeding. These medicines are prescribed for those who cannot or don’t prefer hormonal treatment.

• Hysterectomy:

If your condition is severe, the doctor will recommend this procedure, which involves surgical removal of the uterus. Once the uterus is removed, you cannot conceive, so talk to your doctor if you plan to have a baby. Hysterectomy is the only treatment option to cure adenomyosis completely.

• Endometrial ablation:

In this procedure, the endometrium or lining of the uterus is destroyed or removed using heat. While this may reduce menstrual bleeding, it does not completely cure the condition. It is recommended for women who want to have children and, hence, don’t want hysterectomy.

• Uterine artery embolization:

Certain arteries stop supplying blood to the affected areas, leading to the shrinking of adenomyoma.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Here are certain lifestyle modifications and home remedies that can help alleviate adenomyosis symptoms and provide some relief —

• Diet:

Have a well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit intake of processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.

• Exercise:

Regular exercise improves blood circulation and helps manage the symptoms. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, is enough.

• Stress management:

Practice stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises because stress can worsen adenomyosis symptoms.

• Heat compression:

Applying heat to your lower abdomen with a heating pad can help relieve pain and discomfort and relax the muscles.

• Aromatherapy:

Abdomen massage with essential oils like lavender or chamomile can stimulate blood flow and provide relief from menstrual pain.

• Spices from the kitchen:

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and turmeric may provide relief from pain and inflammation.

• Drink enough water:

Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough water to help flush toxins from the body and reduce abdominal bloating.

However, before starting any home remedies, it is better to take the advice of your doctor.

Coping with Adenomyosis: Tips and Support

Adenomyosis is not life-threatening, but it can lead to stress and affect your overall well-being. So, the best way to cope with the condition is to educate yourself about it. This can help you manage the symptoms and ease your pain. Following a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and keeping stress at bay with relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises, also helps. Alternative therapies, like acupuncture, massage, etc., can help provide relief from menstrual cramps and pain. If you still struggle to cope with adenomyosis, consider seeking professional help for the best possible care and treatment.