Dr Sam Holford showing a Mirena patient information booklet

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is a common but often overlooked condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus (the endometrium) grows within the muscular wall of the uterus (the myometrium). This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and tender, leading to symptoms that can impact your daily life.

Adenomyosis shown within the muscular wall of the uterus.
Adenomyosis shown within the muscular wall of the uterus.

What Are the Symptoms?

If you have adenomyosis, you might experience:

  • Heavy, prolonged, or irregular periods
  • Severe cramping and pelvic pain, often worsening over time
  • A feeling of pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Fatigue, sometimes due to heavy bleeding and resulting anaemia

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, adenomyosis can be tricky to diagnose without expert evaluation.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:

  • Detailed pelvic ultrasound, especially transvaginal scans
  • Sometimes MRI if ultrasound results are unclear
  • Careful review of your symptoms and medical history

The goal is to differentiate adenomyosis from other conditions and tailor treatment accordingly.

Treatment Options

While there’s no “one-size-fits-all” cure, several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

  • Medical therapies such as hormonal treatments (combined contraceptive pills, progestins, or GnRH analogues) to reduce bleeding and pain
  • Minimally invasive procedures in select cases
  • Hysterectomy, which is the definitive treatment, usually considered when symptoms are severe and other treatments haven’t helped

I’ll work with you to choose a plan that respects your wishes around fertility, symptom relief, and overall wellbeing.

Dr Sam Holford

It matters

Living with adenomyosis can be exhausting, but understanding your condition is the first step towards better management. You deserve care that listens to your experience and offers real solutions.

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FAQs

What is the difference between adenomyosis and endometriosis?
Adenomyosis is when the uterine lining grows within the muscle of the uterus, while endometriosis is when similar tissue grows outside the uterus. They can have similar symptoms and often occur together.
Can adenomyosis affect my fertility?
It can, by making it harder for an embryo to implant in the uterus. However, many people with adenomyosis still conceive successfully. We can discuss options if this is a concern for you.
Is hysterectomy the only treatment for adenomyosis?
No, it's the only definitive cure, but many effective treatments can manage symptoms, including hormonal IUDs, contraceptive pills, and other medications. We'll explore all options before considering surgery.
How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of a detailed discussion of your symptoms, a physical exam, and a transvaginal ultrasound. An MRI is sometimes used to get a more detailed view.

Resources

Please note: This information is general in nature and not a substitute for medical advice tailored to your specific situation.