Table of contents:
- What is adenomyosis?
- Various symptoms of adenomyosis
- Causes of adenomyosis
- Who is at risk for adenomyosis?
- What are the complications of adenomyosis?
- Treatment options for adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is an abnormal growth of tissue where it shouldn't be. This condition can cause various uncomfortable symptoms such as prolonged menstruation to pain during sex. To understand more about this condition, continue to read the full review below.
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a condition when endometrial tissue (the tissue that lines the uterus) is inside and grows through the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). This makes the uterine wall thicker. Meanwhile, this endometrial tissue continues to thicken and shed each month which is excreted through menstruation.
As a result, the bleeding that occurs can be heavier and longer than usual. People who experience adenomiois will also experience pain during menstruation.
Various symptoms of adenomyosis
Not everyone experiences certain symptoms when they have adenomyosis. Some women feel only a few complaints and some others feel quite severe symptoms. The following are various symptoms of adenomiois that are commonly felt, namely:
- The duration of menstruation is prolonged.
- Severe stomach cramps, such as menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).
- The presence of blood clots during menstruation.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- The lower part of the stomach appears larger and softer to the touch.
- Blood spots appear when you are not menstruating.
Causes of adenomyosis
Experts have not been able to determine with certainty why adenomyosis occurs. However, various studies have shown that the disturbed hormones estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and follicle stimulating hormone can trigger this condition. The following are various possible causes of adenomyosis.
- Abnormal tissue growth called adenomyoma from endometrial cells that eventually pushes itself into the uterine muscle. This is most likely caused by an incision made in the uterus during surgery such as a C-section.
- The presence of excess tissue in the uterine wall that forms from the fetus and grows with age.
- Inflammation of the uterus that occurs after childbirth.
- Stem cells in the muscular wall of the uterus that back attack the uterine muscle itself
Generally, these symptoms can improve on their own when the level of the hormone estrogen in the body decreases, namely after menopause (12 months after the end of menstruation). However, you may also need medical attention. To be sure, immediately consult a doctor.
Who is at risk for adenomyosis?
Quoted from Healthline, there are three things that put a woman at high risk for adenomyosis, namely:
- Age 40-50 years (before menopause).
- Women who already have children (who have given birth).
- Have had surgery on the uterus such as cesarean section or uterine fibroid surgery.
What are the complications of adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is not always dangerous. However, the pain and prolonged menstrual duration are quite disruptive to both daily activities and sexual activity. In addition, women with adenomyosis are also at risk of developing anemia due to prolonged bleeding. As a result, this condition can cause fatigue, dizziness, and moodiness.
In some cases, adenomyosis is a condition that can make you overly agitated and anxious. If allowed to continue, this can lead to depression.
Treatment options for adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is a disease whose symptoms can be controlled, although it may not be able to completely cure it. Treatment for adenomyosis depends on the symptoms, severity, and condition of the uterus.
Your doctor will prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to reduce mild pain one or two days before your period starts. In addition, hormone therapy, endometrial ablation (destruction of endometrial tissue), hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), and uterine artery embolization can be used as treatment options depending on the doctor's diagnosis.
However, hysterectomy or uterine removal procedures have been one of the most effective treatments for adenomyosis with severe symptoms.
If you experience one or more of the symptoms that suggest adenomyosis, do not hesitate to check with your doctor for the best treatment.
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