A guide to Adenomyosis

Though it has similarities when it comes to symptoms – and sadly, a lack of awareness or effective treatment – adenomyosis is an entirely separate condition to endometriosis. 

It is possible to have both conditions.

Adenomyosis is caused by tissue that grows on the lining of the uterus becoming present on its inside muscular wall. It is more commonly diagnosed in women over 30, who have had children.

Nobody knows the exact cause of adenomyosis. It could be genetic, a problem with the immune system or hormonal. It is estimated to affect one in 10 women in the UK. 

 Some symptoms can affect you during your periods.

These include pain and heavy bleeding.

Other symptoms can happen any time in your menstrual cycle, such as:

• Pelvic pain 

• Bloating, heaviness or fullness in your tummy (abdomen)

• Pain during sex

• Severe menstrual cramps 

• Large blood clots

• Sudden and unexpected vaginal discharge

• Severe nausea - particularly prior to menstruation

• Acid reflux - from pressure upwards from the diaphragm

• Enlarged Uterus 

• Tilted uterus – associated pain in small of back

• Leg pain

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Rectal pain

• Frequent urination - worsens as condition becomes severe

• Iron Deficiency Anaemia - in latter stages of condition

• Associated vitamin deficiencies – particularly Vitamin D

• Hormonal imbalances – very high levels of oestrogen

• Palpitations

• Breathlessness

• Extreme fatigue 

• Rapid weight gain - in latter stages of condition

• Water retention/oedema - noticeable in face, legs, hands, ankles

• Hair loss - sudden hair thinning

• Mood swings 

• Insomnia - due to pain interfering with sleep

• Infertility - failure to conceive 

• Some women may experience an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Please see a GP at your earliest opportunity  if you have any of the above symptoms.

The doctor is likely to do an internal examination, to check your vagina and cervix.

You may be referred to a specialist and undergo a transvaginal ultrasound scan. This is where a small ultrasound probe is gently passed into the vagina. You might also have an MRI scan to investigate your symptoms.

What you should also do

Support Endometriosis Awareness North and look out for the charity’s webinars on issues such as pain management and infertility.