ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Adenomyosis

What is adenomyosis?

4 May 2021

It is a relatively common condition in which the muscle walls of the uterus become thick due to endometrial tissue that begins to develop on said walls, producing bleeding in each menstruation, causing pain, and enlargement of the uterus.

The origin of this condition is unknown, but it is believed that it may be caused by some surgical intervention in the area such as a c-section, abnormalities in the fetus formation, labor that inflames the uterus (up to two or three times its normal size), or by stem cells in the uterus.

Adenomyosis disappears when menopause occurs, but hormonal treatment should be given if the symptoms are intense. If it does not work, it will leave hysterectomy or removal of the uterus as the last option.

Signs and symptoms Adenomyosis

Depending on the case, adenomyosis can be asymptomatic or cause mild to severe symptoms, such as:

  • Severe bleeding in the menstrual period.
  • Dysmenorrhea or intense cramps during menstruation.
  • Chronically sore pelvis.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Inflammation of the uterus.
  • Anemia.
  • Tightness in the lower part of the abdomen.

If you’re between the ages of 40 and 50, you’re more likely to develop adenomyosis, although women of any age can get it.

Diagnosis and treatment Adenomyosis

Once your gynecologist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, he or she will perform a physical examination and a gynecological exam that will allow you to verify if there is inflammation of the uterus and its degree of sensitivity.

Its symptoms can be confused with other conditions such as endometriosis, leiomyomas, and endometrial polyps, so it will be necessary to perform the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • Transvaginal ultrasound.
  • Uterine MRI.
  • Hysteroscopy.
  • Endometrial biopsy.

The treatment plan is established based on your age since it is a condition that usually disappears in menopause, but it usually includes:

  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Painkillers.
  • Oral contraceptives.
  • Endometrial ablation.
  • Uterine artery embolization.
  • Hysterectomy.

Comprehensive women’s health is our priority at the Women’s Center, so we offer services focused on women in all their chronological stages with the highest standards of care to improve their quality of life, through a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services. It has three specialized units:

  • Obstetrics Center.
  • Gynecology Center.
  • Gynecology in adolescence.

Related centers and departments Adenomyosis

Women’s Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • cun.es
  • medigraphic.com
  • Prevalencia de adenomiosis en pacientes postoperadas de histerectomía con diagnóstico de sangrado uterino anormal. Acta Med. 2022;20(X1):.
  • Valenzuela-Islas HA, Frías-Mendívil M, Luis-Zárate H. Correlación entre hallazgos histeroscópicos y reportes histopatológicos en pacientes con sangrado uterino anormal. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2017;85(11):748-754.
  • Martínez CRV. Adenomiosis en la mujer climatérica. Revista Cubana de Obstetricia y Ginecología. 2015;41(3):.
  • Hyde PJ. Endometriosis. Algunos aspectos poco frecuentes. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2013;81(05):291-295.

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