What is adenomyosis?

Bottom lineAdenomyosis is when uterine-lining-like tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing very heavy or prolonged periods, severe cramping, pelvic pressure, an enlarged tender uterus, and sometimes painful sex (though some have no symptoms); it's more often diagnosed in the 30s and 40s and after childbirth. It's diagnosed by ultrasound or MRI and treated with hormonal options, NSAIDs, tranexamic acid, or definitively by hysterectomy when childbearing is complete.

Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue still responds to your cycle, leading to heavy, painful periods and an enlarged uterus.

Main symptoms

• Very heavy or prolonged periods
• Severe cramping and pelvic pain during periods
• Chronic pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness
• An enlarged, tender uterus
• Pain during sex
• Some people have few or no symptoms

Who gets it

It's more often diagnosed in people in their 30s and 40s, and frequently in those who have had children, though it can occur otherwise.

How it's diagnosed

• Symptom history and pelvic exam (uterus may feel enlarged or tender)
• Ultrasound and especially MRI, which shows changes in the uterine muscle
• Previously only confirmed after hysterectomy, but imaging now allows diagnosis without surgery

Treatment

• Hormonal options (hormonal IUD, combined pill) to reduce bleeding and pain
• NSAIDs for pain and heavy bleeding
• Tranexamic acid for heavy bleeding
• Hysterectomy is a definitive cure when childbearing is complete and symptoms are severe

When to see a doctor

Heavy periods, severe cramps, or pelvic pressure that disrupt your life.

See endometriosis vs adenomyosis and our conditions comparison.

Femora helps you track heavy bleeding and pain, the symptoms that point toward adenomyosis.