After the March reminder of endometriosis, let's take a moment to consider adenomyosis. April is the month when awareness is raised about another common female disease that is closely related to endometriosis, adenomyosis.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition in which the tissue lining the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. ( 1 ) It is often confused with endometriosis, and it is sometimes unclear how the two diseases differ, as both involve the uterine lining, known as the endometrium.
So what is the difference between these two states?
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Adenomyosis Uterine cells nestle within the uterine wall , specifically in the smooth muscle that is located between the inner and outer layers of the uterus. |
Endometriosis Tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterine cavity , adhering to the outside of the uterus and to other organs (usually) in the abdomen. |
Menstruation with adenomyosis
In the case of both of the aforementioned female diseases, endometrial cells react to hormones during the menstrual cycle in a similar way to the uterus itself - it bleeds during menstruation.
In the case of adenomyosis, the cells in the muscle wall behave like the cells of the uterus. During menstruation , they start to bleed , but because they are trapped in the muscle layer, they form small pockets of blood in the uterine muscle wall. This causes pain, cramps, and other unpleasant symptoms of menstruation.
Symptoms of adenomyosis
The symptoms of adenomyosis are very similar to endometriosis. They usually include:
- Heavy and painful menstruation
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Problems conceiving or infertility
Pressure on the bladder and rectum can also be a common symptom , which is usually not directly associated with endometriosis. It is possible that a woman with adenomyosis may not experience other symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, pain during urination, or nausea, but these symptoms are a common consequence of endometriosis.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of adenomyosis is not an easy matter, and due to insufficient diagnosis, we lack the necessary data on the disease and its prevalence. Currently, specialized ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging are most often used for adenomyosis , which can detect adenomyosis with the greatest certainty. ( 2 )
Can I have both adenomyosis and endometriosis?
Although endometriosis and adenomyosis are two different conditions, they often occur together. For example, one 2017 study found that of 300 women diagnosed with adenomyosis, 42.3 percent also had endometriosis. ( 3 ) However, results vary widely, and we can’t say for sure how many women with one condition actually have the other.
Are you worried about any of the symptoms indicating possible adenomyosis or endometriosis? Or do you have a question about your health? Ask our experts for free at the Femvie consultation !
*The consultation does not serve as a substitute for gynecological support and assistance. If you are experiencing any health problems, we recommend that you contact your doctor as soon as possible.
