Adenomyosis

Heavy Painful Periods? It Could Be Undiagnosed Adenomyosis

Are you experiencing heavy, painful periods that disrupt your daily life? While menstrual discomfort is common, persistent, and severe pain and heavy bleeding could indicate a more serious condition. One often-overlooked condition that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life is Adenomyosis.

This painful condition requires medical intervention by a skilled and compassionate OBGYN for effective management. In this article, skilled and compassionate Dearborn Heights OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad explains what adenomyosis is, its symptoms, causes, and who is most at risk for developing this condition.

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue, which normally lines the inside of the uterus, into the muscular wall of the uterus (myometrium). This can cause the uterus to become enlarged, tender, and boggy, leading to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pelvic pain, and discomfort during intercourse. Adenomyosis can affect women of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 40 and 50 who have had children.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

The symptoms of adenomyosis can vary from woman to woman, but common signs include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Pelvic pain and pressure
• Bloating and abdominal discomfort
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, leading to missed work or school, decreased productivity, and emotional distress.

What Causes Adenomyosis?

The exact cause of adenomyosis is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development. These include:

• Hormonal imbalances: Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle may stimulate the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity.
• Previous uterine surgery: Procedures such as cesarean section or fibroid removal may increase the risk of developing adenomyosis.
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the uterine lining or surrounding tissues may promote the development of adenomyosis.
• Childbirth: Adenomyosis is more common in women who have given birth, suggesting that the stretching and trauma to the uterine wall during childbirth may play a role in its development.

Who Gets Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a common but often underdiagnosed condition, affecting an estimated 20-30% of women of reproductive age. However, the prevalence of adenomyosis may be higher among women who have had children or who are approaching menopause.

It is important to note that adenomyosis can occur in women of any age, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing symptoms and preserving fertility.

Why Adenomyosis is Missed or Misdiagnosed

Adenomyosis is often missed or misdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Additionally, some women may attribute their symptoms to normal menstrual changes or dismiss them as a natural part of aging. Furthermore, adenomyosis can only be definitively diagnosed through imaging tests or surgical procedures, which may not be routinely performed unless specifically requested by the patient or suspected by the healthcare provider.

How Adenomyosis is Diagnosed

Diagnosing adenomyosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and imaging studies. During the pelvic exam, Dr. Chadi Haddad may feel for an enlarged, tender uterus and evaluate for any palpable abnormalities. Imaging tests such as transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or sonohysterography may be ordered to visualize the uterus and detect signs of adenomyosis, such as thickening of the uterine wall or the presence of cysts or masses.

How Adenomyosis is Treated

Treatment for adenomyosis aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and preserve fertility whenever possible. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s reproductive goals, treatment options may include:

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or prescription medications may help alleviate pelvic pain and discomfort associated with adenomyosis.

Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, or GnRH agonists may be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual bleeding, and alleviate symptoms of adenomyosis.

Uterine artery embolization: This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting tiny particles into the blood vessels that supply the uterus to block blood flow to the adenomyosis-affected areas, leading to symptom relief.

Endometrial ablation: In cases where fertility is not a concern, endometrial ablation may be performed to destroy the uterine lining and reduce menstrual bleeding associated with adenomyosis.

Hysterectomy: In severe cases or when conservative treatments have failed, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) may be recommended to provide definitive relief from adenomyosis symptoms.

Surgery for Adenomyosis

Surgical intervention may be considered for women with severe adenomyosis symptoms who have not responded to conservative treatments. The most common surgical option for adenomyosis is hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus and often the cervix. In some rare and extreme cases, a total hysterectomy may be performed, which also includes removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. While hysterectomy is considered a definitive treatment for adenomyosis, it is a major surgical procedure that requires careful consideration of the patient’s age, reproductive goals, and overall health.

Alternative surgical approaches, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted hysterectomy, may be offered to minimize recovery time and postoperative complications. It is important for women considering surgery for adenomyosis to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential long-term effects with Dr. Haddad to make an informed decision about their treatment options.

Adenomyosis Treatments | Dearborn Heights OBGYN

By raising awareness of adenomyosis and its symptoms, Dr. Chadi Haddad in Dearborn Heights, MI hope to empower women to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment for this often-misunderstood condition. If you are experiencing heavy, painful periods or other symptoms of adenomyosis, don’t suffer in silence. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chadi Haddad in Dearborn Heights, MI, for personalized evaluation and management options tailored to your needs.

OBGYN | Adenomyosis | Dearborn Heights: 313.561.2200