Media Statement 2 April 2026
April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month, putting a spotlight on a common yet underappreciated and poorly understood condition that can have a major impact on people’s lives.
Adenomyosis is a condition affecting the uterus, where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, severe period pain, heavy or prolonged bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating and fatigue.
“For some people, adenomyosis symptoms can be debilitating and have a serious impact on their overall health and quality of life,” says Endometriosis New Zealand Chief Executive Tanya Cooke.
Adenomyosis is often confused with endometriosis, but the two conditions are not the same.
“Endometriosis involves tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside the uterus, while adenomyosis occurs within the muscle wall of the uterus itself,” Cooke says. “Some people may have one condition on its own, while others may have both. That overlap, along with the fact its symptoms can resemble those of other gynaecological conditions, is one reason adenomyosis is often misdiagnosed.
“Adenomyosis may not be well-known, but it is not rare. International studies suggest it may affect around one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth. However, very little robust data exists on adenomyosis, particularly in New Zealand. More research is needed to better understand its prevalence, barriers to diagnosis, and the full impact the condition is having on individuals, whānau and the wider health system.”
Cooke says greater awareness matters because too many people are still being told that severe pain or heavy bleeding is simply something they have to put up with.
“For many, getting a diagnosis can take far too long. Symptoms may be normalised and dismissed as just painful periods, or attributed to a range of other gynaecological conditions. That delay can leave people struggling and without the care and treatment they need.”
Adenomyosis Awareness Month also highlights an important gap in New Zealand’s current clinical framework.
“One of the strongest reasons we are continuing to advocate for the adoption of the new RANZCOG Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis is that, unlike New Zealand’s current 2020 guidance, the new guideline includes recommendations for the assessment and management of adenomyosis as well as endometriosis,” says Cooke.
“Adopting this guideline in New Zealand would be an important step forward in improving recognition, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of both endometriosis and adenomyosis.”
As part of Adenomyosis Awareness Month, Endometriosis New Zealand will also be hosting a webinar at the end of April for people living with adenomyosis, or those who suspect they may have it. The webinar will aim to provide trusted information, practical guidance and reassurance to those seeking to better understand the condition and the support options available.
“Adenomyosis may not yet be widely recognised, but for those living with it, its effects are very real,” says Cooke. “This month is about raising understanding of the condition, supporting people to seek help, and ensuring they do not have to endure severe symptoms in silence.”
About Endometriosis New Zealand
Endometriosis New Zealand is the national organisation for endometriosis – providing support, advocacy, research, information, education, and awareness on endometriosis. We are committed to improving the lives of individuals impacted by this condition and helping them find a way forward with hope and strength.
Media Enquiries:
Tanya Cooke
Chief Executive
Mobile: 027 255 1306
Email: tanya@nzendo.org.nz