Adenomyosis is a condition in which endometrial-like tissue grows in the
muscular wall of the uterus, causing it to become inflamed. Like endometriosis, adenomyosis is endometrial-like tissue outside of the lining of the uterus.
Many of the symptoms are similar to endometriosis, including (but not limited to) heavy or
prolonged periods, severe menstrual pain or cramps, chronic persistent pelvic pain, and bloating.
Adenomyosis is relatively common, but the exact prevalence is unclear due to challenges with
diagnosis. Some studies suggest as high as 20% of women and those assigned female at birth.
Treatment is individualised, but options include pain management, hormonal therapies, pelvic physiotherapy, and, in severe cases, surgery such as hysterectomy.
Yes, it’s possible to have both conditions simultaneously, and they often
occur together. Among people with endometriosis, 15–31% may also have adenomyosis found at surgery (Upson & Missmer, 2020).
Adenomyosis can be suspected based on symptoms and physical examination. Transvaginal
ultrasound (TVUS) in experienced hands may show signs of adenomyosis. MRI can
provide further detail and is useful for detecting adenomyosis. However, superficial (surface)
adenomyosis may require a laparoscopy for diagnosis. Extensive research is ongoing to develop a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic test.
Research on adenomyosis is growing but remains limited compared to endometriosis. There are 8.5 times more articles on PubMed about endometriosis than adenomyosis, and many fundamental aspects of adenomyosis remain unknown.