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Adenomyosis occurs when cells from the uterine lining migrate into the uterine wall. These cells respond to ovarian hormones—oestrogen and progesterone—by growing and causing minor internal bleeding within the muscle tissue each month. This process leads to an enlarged uterus and heavy periods. While ultrasound can help diagnose adenomyosis, MRI provides a more accurate assessment. Medical treatment typically manages the bleeding effectively.
Adenomyosis, a frequently overlooked condition where the uterine lining penetrates the muscle wall, causing the uterus to enlarge, often presents with varying symptoms. However, some women may not experience any signs at all.
Here are some common symptoms of adenomyosis that can lead to severe menstrual pain and cramps:
For those affected, periods can be so debilitating that daily activities, including work and personal life, are severely impacted. The heavy bleeding associated with adenomyosis can lead to anaemia, causing extreme fatigue and diminished performance at work and in sports.
During menstruation, the adenomyotic tissue swells and bleeds within the uterine wall, contributing to severe pain, cramps, and heavy periods.
It is important to note that other conditions like fibroids and endometriosis can also cause heavy and painful periods. Adenomyosis often coexists with these conditions. It is also known as internal endometriosis. It occurs when the uterine lining grows within the uterine wall, unlike endometriosis, where it grows outside the uterus.
Adenomyosis is a widespread but often overlooked condition where the uterine lining penetrates the muscle wall, causing the uterus to enlarge. During menstruation, the adenomyotic tissue swells and bleeds within the uterine wall, leading to severe period pain, cramps, and heavy bleeding.
Diagnosis typically involves an ultrasound or MRI scan, revealing an enlarged uterus with an unevenly thickened wall.
Identifying adenomyosis can be challenging because its symptoms are common and affect many women. Many women experience heavy and painful periods but often consider them ‘normal’ without realising how severe they might be. When seeking medical help, doctors may begin treatment to manage symptoms without conducting a scan, or the scan might fail to detect the condition.
Fibroids and endometriosis, other causes of heavy and painful periods, are more widely recognised and frequently coexist with adenomyosis. Sometimes, refer to as “internal endometriosis.” Adenomyosis involves the uterine lining growing inside the uterine wall, unlike endometriosis, where it grows outside the uterus.
Awareness of adenomyosis is gradually increasing among the medical community and women, and the rising availability of ultrasound scans is likely to boost detection rates. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it allows for prompt treatment, significantly improving the quality of life for affected women. However, treatment options remain limited, as adenomyosis is often deeply embedded in the muscular wall of the uterus.
Establishing how adenomyosis impacts fertility can be challenging due to several factors:
However, a recent meta-analysis revealed that adenomyosis negatively impacts IVF outcomes. The study showed that women with adenomyosis had lower rates of pregnancy per cycle, per embryo transfer, successful embryo implantation, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth compared to those without the condition, even after accounting for factors like age. Additionally, miscarriage rates were higher among those with adenomyosis.
Despite these challenges, precise investigation and targeted treatment can lead to successful outcomes. At The Top Gynaecologists Clinic, our best private gynaecologist in London specialises in managing complex cases, helping countless couples who previously faced IVF failure and repeated miscarriages to finally achieve their dream of having a baby.
Adenomyosis diagnosis can be challenging. Many women experience similar symptoms and assume that heavy or painful periods are usual for them. This misconception often leads to delays in seeking heavy periods treatment in London. An ultrasound or MRI scan typically identifies the condition, revealing an enlarged uterus with one wall thicker than the other.
You might have heavy periods if you frequently pass large clots, need to use double protection, change protection more often than every four hours, or if your periods cause anaemia.
Adenomyosis affects each woman differently, so the best treatment varies based on your symptoms, age, prior treatment attempts, preferences regarding surgery, and desire to have children. Treatments for adenomyosis include:
Women seeking effective adenomyosis treatment in London can explore countless options tailored to their specific symptoms and needs.
Adenomyosis often presents with heavy and painful periods. In some cases, the uterus becomes so enlarged that it forms a noticeable lump in the lower abdomen, causing pressure on the bladder and bowel, leading to urinary frequency and constipation.
Many women live with this condition undiagnosed. Those with severe adenomyosis often endure such intense periods that they must put their lives on hold during this time. This condition significantly impacts their overall quality of life, including their work. The heavy bleeding associated with adenomyosis can lead to anaemia, extreme tiredness, and diminished performance in work and sports.
Adenomyosis and endometriosis often occur together, sharing similar pathology. While endometriosis involves tissue like the uterine lining appearing outside the uterus, adenomyosis features this tissue within the uterine muscular wall.
If you seek adenomyosis treatment in London, book an appointment with our specialist who can provide a comprehensive approach.