Located in Agoura Hills CA, Dr. Sherry Thomas is committed to providing urogynecological and surgical care to the women that need it. Contact us today for more information, or to schedule an adenomyosis treatment consultation.

Symptoms

While some women with adenomyosis experience no symptoms, the condition is usually characterized by painful periods that are heavy and last longer than usual. Other common symptoms include sharp, stabbing cramps that last through the entirety of your period and worsen over time, painful sexual intercourse, and the passing of blood clots during menstruation. Because of the enlargement of the uterus, your abdomen may feel bloated or tender.

Causes

While the exact cause of this condition is not known, experts have several theories about what causes endometrial tissue to penetrate the uterine muscles. Adenomyosis may be linked to incisions made in the uterus during a C-section, endometrial tissue deposited in the uterus during fertilization and pregnancy, inflammation of the uterine lining caused by childbirth, or invasion of the uterus by bone marrow stem cells. For these reasons, adenomyosis is more common among those who have had uterine surgery, have given birth, or are between the ages of 40-60.

Treatment

Left untreated, this condition can lead to anemia caused by prolonged bleeding, which in turn leads to fatigue, malnutrition, and other health problems. The recurring pain and heavy bleeding of this condition can also lead to a limited lifestyle as well as depression, irritability, anxiety, anger, and feelings of helplessness.

Fortunately, treatment options for this condition are available. Some women find relief with ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be taken starting a few days before menstruation begins through the end of your period in order to reduce bleeding, cramps, and discomfort. Birth control pills are also effective in limiting the menstrual cycle and providing relief, particularly continuous use contraception that eliminates the monthly period altogether.

For women who suffer severe adenomyosis, have finished having children, and are not approaching the natural end of this condition caused by menopause, a hysterectomy may be required if other treatment options are not effective.

If you experience painful monthly periods, help is available. A gynecologist can help determine the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing and develop a treatment plan that will improve your quality of life.

Looking for adenomyosis treatment solutions in the Agoura Hills area? Contact Dr. Sherry Thomas today to schedule a consultation appointment.

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Causes of Adenomyosis

The exact cause of Adenomyosis is unknown, but there are several theories about its possible causes.

• Invasive tissue growth—this theory suggests that a direct invasion of the endometrial cells occurs from the uterine lining into the muscle that forms the walls of the uterus
• Developmental origin—this theory suggests that Adenomyosis may originate in the uterine muscle from the tissue of the endometrium that is deposited there when the fetus is first formed
• Uterine inflammation after childbirth—this theory proposes that an inflammation of the lining of the uterus during the postpartum period may break the boundary of the cells that line the uterus. Also, surgery in the uterus may produce such an effect
• Stem cell origins—a recent theory suggests that stem cells of the bone marrow may invade the muscle of the uterus causing this condition

Despite how Adenomyosis develops, how it grows depends on how the estrogen hormone circulates in a woman’s body. When the production of estrogen reduces at menopause, Adenomyosis eventually disappears.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

Sometimes Adenomyosis is silent, producing no signs and symptoms. However, in other cases, it causes:

• Heavy and prolonged menstruation
• Severe cramping or sharp pelvic pain during menstrual periods
• Menstrual cramps that last throughout your periods and worsen as you grow older
• Pain when having sex
• Blood clots in your menstrual flow

Your uterus might become enlarged and your lower abdomen bigger and tender.

Risk Factors

Several factors may contribute to you developing Adenomyosis. These include:

• Childbirth
• Middle age
• Prior surgery of the uterus such as removal of fibroids or C-section

Most Adenomyosis cases are diagnosed in women aged between 40 and 58. In middle-aged women, it may be related to longer exposure to estrogen.

Treatment

Treatment for Adenomyosis may depend on how close you are to menopause and the options include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications—if you are near menopause, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.). Taking these drugs two days before your periods and continuing during the periods reduces your menstrual flow and pain
• Hormone medications—using hormone-containing patches, combined estrogen-progestin pills, or vaginal rings may lower your menstrual flow and pain
• Hysterectomy—if you are not near menopause, and your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy)

Adenomyosis is not a life-threatening condition. The primary cause is not known, but there are several treatment options depending on your age. If you develop the above symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Doctor Sherry Thomas is a world-renowned urogynecologist who specializes in women’s health issues. She can work with you to determine causes and treatments of your Adenomyosis. Contact Dr. Sherry Thomas’s office today to schedule your consultation.

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