About Adenomyosis
Quick Facts - Adenomyosis
Early diagnosis can avoid complications and lead to better treatment. If you are in search of a well-guided Adenomyosis treatment in Dubai, Dr. Sandeep Burathoki, an interventional neuroradiologist, can be your ideal choice.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is a medical condition that affects the uterus, specifically the endometrial tissue. This disorder occurs when the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, infiltrates the muscular wall of the uterus, called the myometrium. As a result, the boundaries between these two layers become blurred, leading to a range of symptoms and potential complications.
Its types include:
Concentrated areas of abnormal endometrial tissue within the uterine muscle.
A localized tumor-like mass formed by invasive endometrial tissue. Unlike fibroid, focal adenomyoma has poor margins, merging with surrounding normal myometrium.
Widespread distribution of abnormal endometrial growth throughout the uterine muscle.It causes diffuse globular enlargement of the uterus, commonly known as “Bulky Uterus”.
Presence of cysts within the abnormal endometrial tissue in the uterine wall.
Uncommon variations or characteristics in the presentation of adenomyosis
What causes it?
The exact cause of adenomyosis remains unclear, but hormonal factors are believed to play a significant role. Estrogen, a hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle, appears to contribute to the development of adenomyosis. Women in their reproductive years are most commonly affected, and the condition often subsides after menopause when estrogen levels decline.
Estrogen: Conditions that increase the exposure to estrogen increase the risk of getting Adenomyosis like high body mass index and treatment with the breast cancer drug namely Tamoxifen.
Age: Adenomyosis preferentially affects women between 40 and 50 years old.
Pregnancy: Multiparous women (multiple pregnancies) with higher chance for getting adenomyosis. Dilatation and curettage: Trauma of curettage may favor the inclusion of islands of endometriosis in the myometrium.
Uterine surgery: Previous surgery on the uterus, including cesarean delivery and myomectomy (surgery to remove uterine fibroids) increased the risk of adenomyosis.
Symptoms manifestations of Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic (about 35% of women) to disabling symptoms. The frequency and severity of symptoms in patients with adenomyosis has been shown to correlate with the extent and depth of muscle invasion.
One of the primary symptoms associated with adenomyosis is heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). Bleeding may be at irregular intervals, particularly between expected menstrual periods (Metrorrhagia). The abnormal placement of endometrial tissue within the muscular wall of the uterus can lead to heavy and prolonged periods, causing discomfort and inconvenience for affected individuals.
Women with adenomyosis may also experience pelvic pain, which can vary in intensity and duration. This pain is often more pronounced during menstruation (dysmenorrhea) but may persist throughout the menstrual cycle.The incidence of dysmenorrhea in women with adenomyosis is reported between 50% and 93.4%. They may also have pain during sex (dyspareunia) or while passing stool.
Adenomyosis is associated with a 30% decrease in the likelihood of pregnancy and may be responsible for adverse pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage.
Diagnosis and assessment tests
The diagnosis of adenomyosis can be challenging, as its symptoms overlap with other gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Medical professionals typically employ a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and sometimes invasive procedures like a biopsy to confirm the presence of adenomyosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly useful in visualizing the changes in the uterine wall associated with this condition.
Impact of Adenomyosis on a woman’s life
Adenomyosis can impact a woman’s quality of life in various ways. Chronic pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding may lead to fatigue, anemia, and emotional distress. Additionally, the condition can interfere with fertility and pregnancy. While adenomyosis itself is not a direct cause of infertility, it may contribute to difficulty conceiving or increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Treatments options
Treatment options for adenomyosis depend on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s reproductive goals.
Mild cases may be managed with pain relievers, hormonal medications, or intrauterine devices (Mirena) that release hormones to regulate the menstrual cycle.
For patients concerned about fertility, hormonal manipulation has been used to decrease junctional zone thickness and provide symptomatic relief, but these effects are temporary, and symptoms tend to recur within 1 year of treatment cessation.
Surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed, may be recommended for women who have completed their family planning or for those with debilitating symptoms that do not respond to other treatments. However, this option is a significant decision and should be carefully considered, as it eliminates the possibility of future pregnancies.
Recently, Uterine artery embolization, a minimally invasive, non surgical technique is recommended for adenomyosis. These approaches aim to alleviate symptoms while preserving fertility.
Choose The Expert “Dr. Sandeep Burathokhi” For Adenomyosis Treatment
Adenomyosis is a complex and often underdiagnosed condition that can significantly impact a woman’s reproductive health and overall well-being. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial in alleviating symptoms and addressing potential fertility concerns.
Dr. Sandeep Burathoki is an expert on adenomyosis treatment and other less invasive treatment options that improve women’s health, offering improved outcomes for individuals affected by adenomyosis.
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