Adenomyosis

By Jeff Damm

Adenomyosis is a feminine illness in which the inner lining of the endometrium breaks via the muscle lining of the uterus. Adenomyosis disease is a harmful illness because it causes heavy periods, cramps during menstrual periods, bloating, and lower pressure of the abdomen [1].  This type of disease occurs when the cells that are located in the uterus are abnormally positioned in the wall of the uterus. This condition of this disease can be situated throughout the whole uterus or positioned in one place.

Nature and the Development of Adenomyosis Disease

The etiology of adenomyosis is yet to be discovered. Expert researchers have come up with numerous theories about the development of this disease. Those in the medical field have focused on angiogenesis, local invasion, and cellular proliferation of this disease [2].

The pathological characterizations of adenomyosis emanate from the bottom base layer of the uterus as a result of its folding in the myometrium.  The tissue impacted by adenomyosis is conditioned by an intensive expression of estradiol receptors in comparison to the typical uterus wall.

Adenomyosis Disease Prevalence

Adenomyosis is a disease that mostly affects middle-aged women who already have given birth to children.  Scientific studies have reported that women who have gone through uterine surgery have the potential to get this illness.

Although the cause of this disease is still unknown; Medical experts suggest that different hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone, estrogen, prolactin, and progesterone may trigger the occurrence of this disease [3].

Adenomyosis Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Adenomyosis involves  performing a hysterectomy analysis and studying the uterine tissue under a microscope. Advanced technology has assisted the doctors to do transvaginal ultrasound or MRI to treat adenomyosis illness.

If a specialist comes across any signs of adenomyosis, a physical exam  is warranted. A pelvic examination may show an extended and a soft uterus. An ultrasound can empower a doctor to see the uterus muscular wall and its lining [4]. An ultrasound cannot contribute to treating adenomyosis but it can assist to rule out the symptoms of this disease.

Another way of evaluating adenomyosis symptoms is through sonohysterography.  Through this process, solution of saline is injected via a minute tube into the uterus and an ultrasound is given. Occasionally or in rare terms adenomyosis can be confused with uterine fibroids which challenge some doctors. Fibroids are benign growths developing on or in the wall of the uterus, while adenomyosis is less of a described mass of cells in the wall of the uterus [5].

Adenomyosis Treatment

Treating adenomyosis depends on the symptoms of the patient, the severity, and if the woman has finished childbearing. Mild symptoms probably may be diagnosed with over the counter pain medications and using heating pads to lessen the pain of the cramps. The doctor may prescribe nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs to a patient for reducing mild pain connected with adenomyosis illness.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken by a patient one or two days prior to the beginning of the menstrual periods and can be continued later after the first few days of the period.  Another way to treat adenomyosis is by using hormone therapy. Signs of heavy periods can be regulated with hormonal treatment such as levonorgestrel-releasing IUD and is injected into the uterus.

Uterine embolization of an artery is another form of treatment used to treat adenomyosis disease. It involves using small particles to narrow the blood vessels that cause excessive blood flow.  The tiny particles are directed via a small tube inserted by a radiologist into the individual’s femoral artery [6]. It assists greatly the reduction of the blood flow, and eventually, the adenomyosis shrinks.

Endometrial ablation, a procedure that surgically destroys (ablates) the lining of your uterus,  is another method that has been discovered by medical experts to treat adenomyosis disease. This process has been found to be very effective especially when the adenomyosis has not perforated deeply into the muscle lining of the uterus.

Preventions of Adenomyosis

Eating a balanced diet can really assist you to overcome most challenges associated with adenomyosis.  You are recommended to eat a lot of spinach, brown rice, legumes like beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.  Avoid completely fatty foods like pizzas, peanut butter, potato chips, French fries, and doughnuts.

It is not healthy to add any margarine or vegetable oils for salad. Don’t take a lot of animal products like fish, eggs, and poultry.  Don’t put a lot of sugar into your tea or adding a lot of salt into your food. Cease from taking beer and smoking.

You are advised highly to have physical exercises regularly per day. It is also recommended taking calcium carbonate supplements of one thousand milligrams each and every day. Include also consuming B6 supplements of approximately fifty to one hundred milligrams a day.

Vitamin B6 is much helpful because it helps in controlling estrogens by eliminating them from your liver [7]. Olive oil, flax oil, and flax seeds are nutritious because they are very rich in omega 3.  They contain anti-inflammatory properties which reduce muscle contractions and menstrual pain.

Adenomyosis is a gynecological disorder which affects the private organs of women. The disease causes pain and can result in infertility.  More research is warranted to determine preventative measures as well as responsive treatments to help women who suffer from this illness.

References

  1. Benson RC, Sneeden VD. Adenomyosis: a reappraisal of symptomatology. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 
  2. Bird CC, McElin TW, Manalo-Estrella P. The elusive adenomyosis of the uterus-revisited. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2013
  3. Emge LA. The elusive adenomyosis of the uterus. Its historical past and its present state of recognition. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2014
  4. Matalliotakis IM, Katsikis IK, Panidis DK. Adenomyosis: what is the impact on fertility? CurrOpinObstet Gynecol. 2012
  5. McElin TW, Bird CC. Adenomyosis of the uterus. ObstetGynecolAnnu. 2015 
  6. Parazzini F, Vercellini P, Panazza S, Chatenoud L, Oldani S, Crosignani PG. Risk factors for adenomyosis. Hum Reprod. 2012
  7. Sowers MF, Crawford SL, Sternfeld B. “SWAN: A multicenter, multiethnic, community-based cohort study of women and the menopausal transition” In: Lobo RA, Kelsey J, Marcus R, et al., editors. Menopause: Biology and Pathobiology. San Diego: Academic Press; 2014