Adenomyosis

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a uterine disorder in which the endometrial tissue spreads into the uterine muscles, causing an enlarged uterus, painful menstrual cycles, and discomfort during intercourse.

While not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life, and its symptoms are often mistaken for other pelvic conditions, delaying diagnosis.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

While some women experience mild or no symptoms, many struggle with painful and disruptive effects, such as:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe or prolonged cramping
• Blood clotting during menstruation
• Spotting between periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Abdominal bloating
• Discomfort during bowel movements
• Increased risk of miscarriage or pre-term birth

Because these symptoms are often mistaken for uterine fibroids or other pelvic disorders, seeking an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.

What Causes Adenomyosis?

The exact cause of adenomyosis is unknown, but medical research suggests it may be linked to several conditions, including:

• Developmental anomalies
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Localized adenomyoma
• Uterine inflammation

While the cause remains uncertain, effective treatment options are available to help manage symptoms.

Who Is at Risk for Adenomyosis?

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing adenomyosis, including:

• Being over 35 years old
• Having given birth
• Previous uterine surgery, such as a C-section or myomectomy

Adenomyosis Treatment Options

Although a hysterectomy is the only cure for adenomyosis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms, including:

• Anti-inflammatory medications—Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and menstrual blood flow when taken before the cycle begins.
• Hormonal therapy – Birth control pills and other hormonal treatments can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms.
• Linzagolix drug therapy – This medication blocks certain sex hormones, stopping menstruation and alleviating severe adenomyosis symptoms.
• Endometrial ablation – A minimally invasive procedure that destroys the uterine lining. However, success depends on how deeply the adenomyosis tissue has penetrated the uterine wall.
• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) – A leading-edge, minimally invasive procedure with an 80% effectiveness rate for symptom relief.

Why UAE Is an Effective Adenomyosis Treatment

UAE is a non-surgical option that targets adenomyosis by reducing blood flow to the affected areas. This procedure involves:

1. A catheter is inserted into the uterine artery.
2. Small particles are injected to block blood flow to the problematic tissue.
3. Over time, the deprived tissue shrinks, leading to symptom relief.

Recent advancements in UAE technology include using varied particle sizes, which has increased its effectiveness to 80%. UAE provides a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy and allows patients to recover more quickly.

Find Relief Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with adenomyosis, Dallas Fibroid Center is here to help.

Any unusual symptoms you notice during your regular menstrual cycle should be discussed with a medical specialist. Your symptoms may be caused by uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or polyps, whether or not you have adenomyosis.

When an accurate diagnosis has been established, our team can provide a detailed, personalized analysis of your condition and treatment recommendations in response to your most urgent or problematic symptoms.

To learn more, schedule an appointment now or call us at 469-341-5997.

Understanding Uterine fibroids: