Adenomyosis; the ancient Greek reference literally means a “condition where glandular tissue invades the muscle layer of the uterus”.

• Adeno / adēn, means “gland” and refers to the endometrial tissue.
• Myo comes from the Greek word Mys meaning “muscle”, referring to the uterus (the myometrium).
• And Osis which is a common suffix in medical terms meaning a condition or abnormal state.

Adenomyosis is a Gynaecological condition but the cause is still unknown. The only cure is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

A related condition

• Adenomyosis and Endometriosis are physiologically related conditions with some overlapping symptoms
• HOWEVER, they are two different conditions affecting different parts of the reproductive system and body

Diagnosis

• Adenomyosis is usually confirmed through imaging scans like a MRI or transvaginal ultrasound

• Often it is only definitively identified after a biopsy is taken from a hysterectomy

Prevalence

• Adenomyosis is more commonly found in people in their late 30s to early 40s (those assigned female at birth)
• It is difficult to diagnose as often symptoms overlap with other conditions

Symptoms
The most common symptoms are:

• heavy or long periods

• severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• pelvic pain
• bloating
• pain during sex
• Although, some people don’t present with any symptoms at all

Fertility
Adenomyosis can cause infertility due to:

• the uterus becoming enlarged
• it may affect embryo implantation
• causing hormonal imbalances
• HOWEVER, it is still very possible to conceive naturally or with fertility treatments.

Symptom management

• hormonal treatments (such as birth control pills or IUDs)
• pain relief medication
• heat treatment
• taking a multi-disciplinary approach, including diet, exercise and lifestyle changes
• acupuncture & phsyical therapy