Adenomyosis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a medical disease characterized by the presence of ectopic glandular tissue found in muscle.

It is a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus.

Causes Of Adenomyosis:

Cause of Adenomyosis is yet unknown. However, different possible theories have been proposed by experts. They include the following:

Invasive tissue growth

Uterine incisions made during an operation such as a cesarean section (C-section) may promote the direct invasion of the endometrial cells into the wall of the uterus.

Developmental origins

Experts speculate that adenomyosis originates within the uterine muscle from endometrial tissue deposited there when the uterus first formed in the fetus.

Uterine inflammation related to childbirth.

An inflammation of the uterine lining during the postpartum period might cause a break in the normal boundary of cells that line the uterus.

Stem cell origins

A recent theory proposes that bone marrow stem cells may invade the uterine muscle, causing adenomyosis.

Symptoms Of Adenomyosis:

Sign and symptoms of adenomyosis may include the following:

Intense debilitating pain all the time
Acute & increasing pain at menstruation and ovulation
Strong ‘contraction’ feel of uterus
Abdominal cramps
A ‘bearing’ down feeling
Pressure on bladder
Dragging sensation down thighs and legs
Heavy bleeding and flooding
Large blood clots
Prolonged bleeding i.e.; up to 8–14 days

Complications From Adenomyosis:

A complication which may arise due to adenomyosis is chronic anemia. Anemia is known to cause fatigue and other health problems. Moreover, adenomyosis disrupts one’s lifestyle with recurring pain leading to depression, irritability, anxiety, anger and feelings of helplessness.