Related keywords & synonyms :: Adenomyoma, Endometriosis Interna
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is uterine thickening that occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, extends into the fibrous and muscular tissue of the uterus. Adenomyosis disease may coexist with external endometriosis in which endometrial implants are located outside the uterus. The abnormally located endometrial tissue, like the normal endometrium, tends to bleed with the menses. The blood and debris may accumulate in these misplaced glands creating small fluid collections inside the uterine wall. This penetrating and functioning endometrial tissue may lead to swelling; the uterus may become larger and globular.
Adenomyosis may present as a diffuse condition or it may be focal. In the latter, there are local areas of swelling, so-called adenomyomas, that may mimic other uterine masses.
The background incidence of adenomyosis in all women either with or without symptoms is not known precisely because only in recent years has MRI imaging been able to diagnose adenomyosis without doing a hysterectomy. In studies of chronic pelvic pain in which women had hysterectomies, the incidence of adenomyosis is about 15% to 25%.
What are the symptoms of Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis may be present and cause no symptoms. When this condition presents with symptoms the typical triad is uterine enlargement, pelvic pain and heavy and abnormal menstrual bleeding. Pain, which is most common during menses (dysmenorrhea), may be severe cramping or knifelike. However, pain may be present any time during the cycle and not only during the period. Some of the common symptoms of Adenomyosis may includes :-
- New onset of menstrual cramping.
- Painful menstruation.
- Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- The uterus is often 2-3 times the normal size.
What are the causes of Adenomyosis
The cause is unknown. Sometimes a focal area of adenomyosis appears to cause a mass or growth within the uterus, which is called an adenomyoma. The disease usually occurs in women older than 30 who have borne children and rarely occurs in women who have not carried a pregnancy to term. Cause is basically unknown although there seems to be an increased incidence associated with any :-
- Child birth
- Pregnancy terminations
- Cesarean sections
- Tubal ligations
Complications in Adenomyosis
Oral contraceptives may aggravate symptoms of heavy bleeding or pain.
Natural home remedies for the treatment of Adenomyosis
Some of the common home remedies for the treatment of Adenomyosis are :-
1. Indian Gooseberry
Have a teaspoon of Indian gooseberry juice with sugar on an empty stomach every morning. Follow it up with a glass of warm water.
2. Bael
Grind fresh bael leaves. A teaspoonful of this paste with warm water, had once a day, is efficacious.
3. Coriander-seed Decoction
Boil a teaspoon of coriander seeds in a cup of water till it is reduced to half. Add sugar to taste and have twice or thrice a day while it is still warm.
4. Almonds
Soak 2-3 almonds in water overnight. Next morning, remove the skins and grind the almonds to a paste with 2-3 small bael leaves. Add a little honey and have daily. (The bael-Ieaf juice should be about a teaspoonful). Follow this with a cup of warm milk.
Other treatment for Adenomyosis
Usually the only treatment is pain medication (analgesics). A hysterectomy may be necessary in women with severe symptoms who are not approaching menopause.Most treatment attempts with hormones have been unsuccessful.
Hysterectomy is currently considered by most the only effective treatment for symptomatic adenomyosis. In recent years, many patients with adenomyosis by surgically removing only specific areas of the uterus containing the bulk of the disease (as carefully defined by transvaginal ultrasound).
The drawback of this surgical treatment is that pregnancy is no longer an option. Nonetheless, patient satisfaction has been high because this more limited operation avoids all the other drawbacks of hysterectomy.
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