Adenomyosis is a condition that is characterized by extension of areas of endometrial glands and stroma into the myometrium (muscular part of the uterine wall). It is also referred to as '
endometriosis interna.' In such cases, the endometrium often remains unresponsive to ovarian hormones. The uterine wall may be diffusely involved, although there are a number of cases where only some part of the uterus may be affected. It is rare in women who have not had a full-term pregnancy.
Adenomyosis does not occur after menopause. But adenomyosis that was present before menopause may be diagnosed after menopause. It may also be found in tissue samples after pelvic surgery in post-menopausal women.
Causes of adenomyosis
The cause of adenomyosis is not fully understood. Some researchers believe that it is the result of damage to the inner wall of the uterus during pregnancy, labour, delivery, or a surgical procedure.
Symptoms of adenomyosis
Adenomyosis is frequently found in uterine tissue biopsies after pelvic surgery such as laparotomy or laparoscopy has been done. Most of the women with adenomyosis complain of profuse menstruation (menorrhagia). They experience a lot of pain during menses, a feature that will not have been there since their first menstrual period. This is hence referred to as secondary dysmenorrhea. Some women may have chronic pelvic discomfort along with painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) or painful defecation (dyschezia).
