Heavy periods, severe cramps, or persistent pelvic pain may be more than just monthly discomfort—they could be signs of uterine adenomyosis.
Uterine adenomyosis is when the inner lining of the uterus grows into its muscular wall, leading to pain, inflammation, and other disruptive symptoms. Recognizing the symptoms of uterine adenomyosis is the first step toward finding relief and understanding how adenomyosis may impact your life.
If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing symptoms of adenomyosis or another uterine condition, such as fibroids, take our symptom quiz below.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Adenomyosis
Uterine adenomyosis symptoms affect each woman differently. For some, symptoms may be mild and hardly noticeable, while for others, they can intensify, significantly affecting daily life, work, and overall well-being. Symptoms often overlap with other uterine conditions like fibroids or endometriosis, making diagnosis more complex.
Some common symptoms of uterine adenomyosis include heavy menstrual bleeding and severe cramps, as well as pelvic pressure and pain.
Heavy or Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding
One of the more common adenomyosis flare-up symptoms is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This symptom is a result of the uterus becoming thicker and more swollen due to the abnormal tissue growth pattern caused by adenomyosis.
Severe Menstrual Cramps
Alongside heavy menstrual cramps, adenomyosis also causes severe menstrual cramps. These adenomyosis pain symptoms are from the lining of the uterus growing into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing inflammation and irritation within the uterine tissue.
Unlike typical menstrual cramps, adenomyosis-related pain is often more intense, persistent, and may worsen over time. This symptom can disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels, further affecting day-to-day life.
Pelvic Pain and Pressure
Another common uterine adenomyosis symptom is persistent or intermittent pelvic pain, along with a sensation of pressure or fullness in the abdominal area. These occur due to the swelling and inflammation of the uterus caused by endometrial tissue growing within the uterine muscle.
The thickened and enlarged uterus often creates a heavy, bloated feeling, which can be present even outside of the menstrual cycle.
Bloating and Digestive Discomfort
Abdominal bloating and discomfort, similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can also be symptoms of adenomyosis. The swollen and inflamed uterus can exert pressure on nearby organs, including the intestines, leading to cramping, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.
Because these symptoms mimic IBS, it can be difficult to determine whether the discomfort is gastrointestinal or related to adenomyosis.
Postmenopausal Adenomyosis Symptoms
Adenomyosis is associated with premenopausal women, but its symptoms can persist even after menopause. Although menopause generally leads to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone production, adenomyosis symptoms may continue for some women. This issue is due to the body’s low estrogen levels, as tissues such as the adrenal glands release small amounts of hormones even after menopause.
The stages of menopause impact adenomyosis symptoms differently:
- Perimenopause: This transitional phase leading to menopause often includes fluctuating hormone levels that can exacerbate adenomyosis symptoms.
- During Menopause: When menopause begins, the ovaries significantly reduce estrogen and progesterone production, typically resulting in the cessation of menstrual periods. For some women, adenomyosis symptoms continue, potentially as a result of residual estrogen interacting with the adenomyosis-affected uterine tissue.
Understanding the nuances of menopause and its impact on adenomyosis and fibroid-related symptoms can help guide treatment and diagnosis. Consulting with a fibroid or adenomyosis specialist is best for managing postmenopausal symptoms.
What are Severe Adenomyosis Symptoms?
Uterine adenomyosis symptoms may begin as mild for many women but can progressively worsen over time. Severe symptoms such as debilitating menstrual cramps, heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and persistent abdominal pressure can disrupt daily activities, impact work productivity, and even affect overall quality of life.
When adenomyosis symptoms interfere with your routine, consulting a specialist, such as an interventional radiologist, is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Our team of interventional radiologists at USA Fibroid Centers are experts in diagnosing, treating, and curing conditions like adenomyosis, helping you regain control over your health and well-being.
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Find Relief with USA Fibroid Centers
If adenomyosis symptoms are impacting your life, help is available. USA Fibroid Centers provides the support, diagnosis, and treatment options to reclaim control over your health.
We offer uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive procedure effective for both adenomyosis and fibroid relief. When uterine embolization is used to address fibroids, it is referred to as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Both UFE and UAE use the same technique to relieve symptoms. UAE has a short recovery time, requires no incisions, preserves fertility, and has fewer risks than traditional surgical methods.
Our specialists’ dedication to helping you find relief and offering advanced, minimally invasive treatments, such as UAE, means you can receive tailored care that improves your quality of life.
Take the next step toward relief from uterine adenomyosis symptoms with USA Fibroid Centers by scheduling a consultation online or calling 855.615.2555.
FAQs on Uterine Adenomyosis Symptoms
What are the Symptoms of Adenomyosis?
Severe adenomyosis symptoms include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, severe cramping, painful intercourse, pelvic pain, blood clots during periods, and infertility. Other symptoms can involve pressure on the bladder or rectum, anemia, abdominal pressure, and bloating. Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or MRI.
Can Adenomyosis Cause IBS Symptoms?
Uterine adenomyosis symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and general digestive issues. The condition leads to inflammation and blood pockets in the uterus, resulting in heavy periods, cramping, and bloating, which can mimic IBS. Due to these shared symptoms, it is common for adenomyosis to be misdiagnosed as IBS or other conditions like fibroids or endometriosis.
What Should I Do if I Have Postmenopausal Adenomyosis Symptoms?
If you have postmenopausal adenomyosis symptoms, consult a specialist to determine the best treatment approach. While adenomyosis symptoms often improve after menopause, some women may still experience discomfort due to an enlarged uterus.
Management options for postmenopausal adenomyosis include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.
- Hormone Therapy
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Stress reduction may improve comfort.
- Heating Pads on the lower abdomen
Consult a specialist if you experience heavy bleeding, significant pelvic pain, or symptoms affecting your quality of life.