Adenomyosis is a common disorder in which the tissue that normally lines the womb grows
inside the muscular walls of the womb. The resultant extra tissue leads to a painful
menstrual cycle and pelvic pain. This disease is also known as uterine endometriosis.
It is non cancerous. Women over the age of 35 have risk of getting Adenomyosis . It
is also common for women whose estrogen level are high than normal. Below are the options
for adenomyosis treatment.
ADENOMYOSIS TREATMENT:-
The method of treatment depends on factors such as:
- Desire for childbirth
- The number of years the patient is away from reaching her menopause.
Anti-inflammatory medicines : If the patient is nearing menopausal age then anti-inflammatory
medicines can be used to subdue the pain till she reaches menopause. Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce
the menstrual blood flow and help in controlling the pain. The medicines should be taken 2-3 days
before the start of the menstrual cycle and should be continued in the cycle as well.
Hormone medications: Hormone medications include birth control pills containing combined
estrogen-progestin, vaginal rings and hormone containing patches. They are used to lessen the
severe bleeding & pain associated with adenomyosis. Progestin only birth control pills are
known to cause absence of menstrual periods which may help in providing relief from symptoms.
Specific surgical treatment for women requiring conservation of uterus : Women
experiencing symptoms due to adenomyomas – the focal region of adenomyosis resulting in
a mass, may undergo laparoscopic resection or removal of these lesions. This procedure
does not involve removal of uterus and thus preserves fertility and uterine function.
Below are the options for adenomyosis treatment.
Hysterectomy: If your pain is extremely severe and menopause is years away
then hysterectomy is considered. Hysterectomy is the only treatment to
completely cure adenomyosis. Hysterectomy is a procedure wherein the womb/uterus
is removed, therefore such an option should be only pursued to if the patient as
no desire of childbirth. Your ovaries are not affected by adenomyosis and can
be left in the body.
CAUSES:-
The exact cause of Adenomyosis is not known, but research points out to the following factors:
- Invasive growth of tissue: According to experts the condition is caused because of
endometrial cell growing in the muscle of uterine wall.
- Uterine inflammation due to childbirth: Other experts suggest a link between
childbirth & adenomyosis i.e. inflammation of the uterus during the first
menstrual period after child birth (postpartum periods) results in breaking
of the normal boundary of the uterine wall which causes adenomyosis.
- Stem cells: In Recent theory bone According to a recent theory, bone marrow stem cells invade the uterine musculature which can lead to adenomyosis.
RISK FACTORS:-
The factors below enhance the risk of adenomyosis:
- Uterine surgery: Previous surgeries involving any fibroid
surgeries and C section can also lead to forming adenomyosis.
- Childbirth: Inflammation because of pregnancy also one of the cause for adenomyosis.
- Age: Women in their 30s are more likely to develop adenomyosis.
SYMPTOMS:-
Symptoms during menstrual cycle:
- Severe cramps
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged cycle
- Clotting during menstrual cycle
DIAGNOSIS:-
Below is the procedure for Diagnosis of adenomyosis.
Let’s discuss these procedures in detail:
Ultrasound: The ultrasound technique used to diagnose adenomyosis is
known as transvaginal ultrasound scan. Here the doctor inserts the
ultrasound device 2-3 inches into the vaginal opening in order to
ascertain the disorder.
MRI: If the doctor is unable to determine adenomyosis with ultrasound
he/she may order a MRI scan of the uterus. It should be noted that MRI
is not an option pregnant women.