Adenomyosis is a uterine condition that involves the growth of endometrial tissues into the uterus muscles. This growth adds weight to the uterine walls making them thick and distorting the blood vessels. This condition causes painful, heavy, and long periods. A woman might also feel pain during sex. Not many women know about adenomyosis, and this is why this is important to familiarize yourself with the terms. Knowing a problem is halfway solving it. Studies show that adenomyosis disappears after menopause since this is the same time the production of estrogen hormone starts to decline. The reason why adenomyosis disappears during this time is that it depends on hormone production, primarily estrogen. The following are essential questions you should ask your doctor to help you understand more about adenomyosis.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of this condition range from mild to severe. However, some women may not have the symptoms at all. Generally, the symptoms include:
- Infertility
- Painful, heavy, and prolonged periods
- Pain during sex
- Blood clots in menstrual blood
- Swelling on the bottom part of your tummy
- Enlarged uterus
Three leading causes of an enlarged uterus are pregnancy, fibroids, and adenomyosis. Therefore, if the doctor notices that your uterus is bigger than average, these will be the most likely conclusions.
Which are the best treatments for adenomyosis?
If you have been diagnosed with adenomyosis, the doctor will recommend several treatments based on your condition. The good news is that there are several enlarged uterus treatment options if you have adenomyosis interfering with your life routines. The treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve uterus inflammation and relieve cramps.
- Hormonal treatments control the production of estrogen, which is the main culprit of adenomyosis.
- Uterine artery embolization prevents blood supply from the arteries to the problematic areas.
- Endometrial ablation involves removing or destroying the endometrium from the inside.
- Monitored ultrasound surgery utilizes high-intensity radiation to create heat that destroys the affected tissue.
- Hysterectomy surgery is a permanent solution for getting rid of adenomyosis. It is a significant surgery only used in severe cases of adenomyosis.
What causes the condition?
The questions on the causes of adenomyosis remain unanswered. However, there are theories about what causes the condition. Examples include:
- Uterus inflammation due to childbirth
- Stem cells in the uterine wall
- Endometrial cells on the uterine muscles
How can I manage it?
The doctor may recommend simple management tips if you have been diagnosed with adenomyosis. Such include:
- Soaking in a warm bath
- Using a heating pad for cramps
- Take OTC medication to reduce inflammation.
Which factors put me at risk of adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis does not attack every woman. However, some factors put you in greater danger of this condition. Such factors are:
- An age where many women are diagnosed between 30 and 40.
- Having delivered before.
- Taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment.
The Takeaways!
When you go to see your doctor for the first consultation, these are vital questions you should ask them. It is valuable information that helps you understand what causes adenomyosis and how to manage it if diagnosed. Learning about the treatment options and how you qualify for each is also crucial.