Adenomyosis
When the womb lining grows into the womb wall
Adenomyosis is when the lining of the womb grows into the muscle wall of the womb. The womb can become bigger and tender. It often causes heavy, painful periods. It is common, and often found with fibroids or endometriosis. Dr Leng Meng Chik at KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital uses an ultrasound scan to look for it and explains your choices.
Good to know
Many women with adenomyosis do well with medicine alone. A hormone coil (IUS) is often a good first choice for heavy, painful periods.
See a doctor soon if you have
- Very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting
- Any bleeding after menopause
- Pain that wakes you at night
If you have any of these, please see a doctor soon. For sudden, severe pain or heavy bleeding, go to the nearest emergency department.
What are the symptoms?
Some women have no symptoms. Others have:
- Heavy periods
- Painful periods that get worse over the years
- Pain during sex
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the tummy
What causes it?
Doctors do not know the exact cause. It is linked to hormones, and symptoms usually settle after menopause.
How is it diagnosed?
Dr Leng asks about your periods and examines you. The womb may feel larger or tender. An ultrasound scan can show the changes in the womb wall. Sometimes an MRI scan gives a clearer picture.
What are the treatment choices?
Most women start with medicine.
- Painkillers
- Tranexamic acid to make bleeding lighter
- A hormone coil (IUS)
- The pill or progestogen tablets
- Hysterectomy, for women who do not plan more pregnancies
Can I get pregnant with adenomyosis?
Yes, many women do. Adenomyosis may make it a little harder for some. Tell Dr Leng if you plan a pregnancy, so she can choose treatment that fits your plans.
What else do women ask about adenomyosis?
How is adenomyosis different from endometriosis?
In adenomyosis, womb lining grows into the muscle wall of the womb. In endometriosis, similar tissue grows outside the womb. They can cause similar pain, and some women have both.
Does adenomyosis go away?
Symptoms usually get better after menopause, when hormone levels drop. Before then, treatment can control heavy bleeding and pain.
Do I need a hysterectomy?
Not usually. Most women control symptoms with medicine. Hysterectomy removes the womb, and the adenomyosis with it. It is only a choice for women who do not want more pregnancies.
Can adenomyosis turn into cancer?
No. Adenomyosis is not cancer and does not turn into cancer. But any bleeding after menopause should always be checked.
Dr Leng Meng ChikConsultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MD (UNIMAS), MRCOG (UK). MMC 54266. KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital. About Dr Leng
Sources
Related conditions
See Dr Leng about adenomyosis in Seremban.
Bring your questions. Dr Leng will explain what is going on and help you choose what to do next.