Women may face several gynaecological conditions associated with their reproductive organs. Adenomyosis is where tissue grows in the uterine lining and extends to the uterine wall. This may cause several problems and serious complications during periods and menopause. Your uterus may increase in size, resulting in painful and heavy periods due to adenomyosis. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, its complications can be distressing and, at times, painful. Hormonal therapy is usually recommended for treating this condition. Read about adenomyosis treatment options and their benefits and risks.
Adenomyosis is when the tissue in your uterus lining starts to grow in the uterine muscle wall. It is usually common in women over 40 years of age. It is a rare condition in the case of adolescents. It may lead to painful periods and heavy menstrual bleeding. Adenomyosis may also result in enlargement of your uterus. Adenomyosis can be treated to avoid complications.
The exact cause of adenomyosis is unknown. However, the following reasons can cause adenomyosis in women:
● Cells in your uterine lining invade the uterine muscle wall, resulting in tissue growth. This may be due to surgery in your uterus.
● You may be born with a misplaced tissue in the uterine muscle wall, leading to adenomyosis.
● After childbirth, you may experience inflammation in your uterine lining.
● Stem cells play a key role in abnormal tissue growth.
Usually, women do not notice any evident symptoms when suffering from adenomyosis. Some women experience the following due to adenomyosis:
● Prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
● Severe Abdominal pain
● Menstrual cramps
● Pain during intercourse
● Trouble getting pregnant
● Pelvic pain
● Enlarged uterus
● Bloating of your belly
The risk factors of adenomyosis are listed below:
● Adenomyosis is a condition which affects women in the age between 40-50 years.
● Women who have also given birth at least once may be a target of adenomyosis.
● Women with previous uterine surgeries like C-sections and D&C are targets for this tissue growth.
● Women with short menstrual cycles may be affected by adenomyosis.
● Women who are under contraceptive pills are at high risk.
● Women who are under fertility treatment.
You may face the following complications when suffering from adenomyosis:
● Fertility Issues
● Abnormal abdominal pain
● Miscarriage
● Chronic iron deficiency
The following are the hormone treatments usually recommended for treating adenomyosis:
Oral contraceptives: The intake of oral contraceptives for a few months can regulate the menstrual cycle by reducing estrogen levels.
Progestin Pills: Progestin therapy for adenomyosis helps women with adenomyosis to reduce bleeding and alleviate pain.
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone: This is a short-term treatment as it results in adverse side effects. This hormonal medicine helps induce a menopausal state by reducing ovarian hormone production.
Intrauterine Device: Inserting an IUD into your uterus releases progestin hormone locally, reducing menstrual blood flow and pain.
Hormonal therapy for adenomyosis is highly effective in treating the condition and its related complications. The following are the benefits of hormonal therapy:
● Reduces Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Hormonal treatment helps in reducing your period flow, which is an evident symptom of adenomyosis. Hormonal contraceptive pills and IUDs can manage your menstrual flow.
● Reduces Pain: Hormonal therapy works great in treating hormonal balance. This also helps in alleviating pelvic pain and menstrual cramps.
● Inhibits Tissue Growth: Hormone treatment does wonders in inhibiting tissue growth, causing adenomyosis. This is done by reducing estrogen levels, disrupting the endometrial tissue growth in the uterine muscle.
You can expect the following during hormonal therapy for adenomyosis:
● You might go through an adjustment period as your body needs to adjust to the new hormones.
● You may need regular medical check-ups with your healthcare provider, which help assess the hormonal treatment.
● You may experience side effects due to hormonal therapy, including weight gain, nausea, mood swings and breast tenderness.
You must consider the following when you undergo hormonal therapy for adenomyosis:
● Discuss with your doctor about your medical history, as the hormonal treatment can impact your health if you are suffering from other medical conditions.
● Talk to your doctor about your reproductive plans, as hormonal therapy affects your fertility. Some treatments are suitable for pregnancy after completion, but some may have long-lasting effects on conception.
● Embracing simple lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress, can improve the effectiveness of hormonal therapy.
Some of the potential risks of hormonal therapy for adenomyosis are:
● Irregular Menstrual Cycle: Women undergoing hormonal therapy may experience irregular periods and heavier menstrual cycles based on the type of hormonal treatment.
● Trigger Menopause: Hormonal medicines may trigger menopause and can result in hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats due to the effects of hormones used in the therapy.
● Osteoporosis: Long-term use of hormonal medicines can result in bone loss, leading to high-risk osteoporosis. This is more common in post-menopausal women.
● Mood Swings: Hormonal medications lead to hormonal fluctuations, causing mood swings
● Cardiovascular Issues: There is also an increased risk of cardiovascular problems due to hormonal therapy.
Adenomyosis is a misplaced tissue that grows in your uterine muscle wall. It is not easy to identify the condition as there are no evident symptoms. Consult your doctor when you suffer from heavy periods and severe abdomen pain and cramps. Your doctor may help you choose the right type of hormonal therapy based on the cause of adenomyosis. Talk with your doctor to learn about the side effects of hormonal therapy. If left untreated, adenomyosis can cause fertility issues and miscarriage if you are pregnant.
Hormonal therapy is usually recommended for treating adenomyosis as it helps in:
● Reducing the pain due to the condition
● Reducing your period flow
● Inhibiting the growth of the tissue in the uterine muscle by reducing the estrogen levels
You may need to continue hormonal therapy for adenomyosis for 3-6 months. It is a long-term therapy.
Yes, there are chances for hormonal therapy for adenomyosis affecting fertility. This depends on the severity of the condition and the type of hormonal treatment. It may suppress your ovulation and decrease the chance of conception.
