What Is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis occurs in the uterus and is a common cause of painful periods and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Your uterus is made of smooth muscle that is lined with a special layer called theendometrium.
Kuaty Tanir / Getty Images
Normally the endometrium is separated from the muscle layer of the uterus (the myometrium).
In women who have adenomyosis, the endometrial lining has spread into the muscular wall of the uterus.
Causes
The cause of adenomyosis is still up for debate in the medical community.
Adenomyosis can also occur in younger women and adolescents, but its prevalence is unclear.
Adenomyosis may be either diffuse (distributed throughout the uterus) or focal (in a limited area).
Focal adenomyosis is also called an adenomyoma.
Treatment
Once you are diagnosed with adenomyosis, your healthcare provider will likely suggest different treatment options.
Your healthcare provider may suggest that you try medical management before considering a surgical option.
The goal of medical treatment is to control the symptoms of painful periods and heavy menstrual bleeding.
These medical options may or may not help your symptoms.
2023;14:1246819. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1246819
Upson K, Missmer SA.Epidemiology of adenomyosis.Semin Reprod Med.
2020;6(8):e04628.
