This article will discuss adenomyosis vs. endometriosis, learning the difference between the two and how they affect menstrual cycles, digestion, chronic pelvic pain, and other symptoms. Learn the difference between the symptoms and presentation of adenomyosis and endometriosis, and how both these diseases affect women.
What is Adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis is when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows into the uterus's muscle wall. This is an example of a major condition that happens within the female reproductive system. With this condition, the uterus itself swells or enlarges. Since there is excess tissue growth and inflammation with adenomyosis, it can cause extremely painful periods (dysmenorrhea), heavy bleeding during periods, and generalized pelvic pain.
Symptoms of Adenomyosis.
As mentioned above, adenomyosis can cause dysmenorrhea, heavy bleeding during periods, generalized pelvic pain, and pain during sexual activity. The pelvic pain associated with adenomyosis can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Adenomyosis is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that could cause endometrial pain, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or malignancy within the uterine tract or ovaries. Adenomyosis can also lead to enlargement of the uterus which can cause tenderness and pressure in the lower abdomen.
What is Endometrial Tissue?
Endometriosis is a pelvic disorder that can cause pelvic pain and painful periods. It occurs when the tissue that makes up the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium).
Symptoms of Endometriosis.
Endometriosis can cause painful periods (dysmenorrhea), pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during periods, pain during bowel movements and urinations, and pain during sex. The dominating symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Endometriosis is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that could cause endometrial pain, such as adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or malignancies of the uterine tract and ovaries.
What are the Risk Factors?
There are several risk factors for endometriosis. These include getting a period at an early age, menopause at a later age, short menstrual cycles, heavy menstrual cycles, higher estrogen levels, family history of endometeriosis, and any medical condition that prevents the passage of blood from the body during menstrual periods.
For adenomyosis, there are several risk factors as well. These include middle age, child birth, increased estrogen levels, and prior uterine surgery. Examples of uterine surgery might include prior C-section, fibroid removal, or a D&C.
What is the Difference Between Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis?
Although both adenomyosis and endometriosis can both present similarly with pelvic pain, there are differences between the two conditions. So, what's the difference between these two conditions? It lies in the aetiologies and pathophysiology of what is occurring in the body. Adenomyosis is when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows into the uterus's muscle wall. Endometriosis is when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic organs. This can cause endometrial pain, painful periods, and infertility.
Holistic Ways to Treat Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis and endometriosis are two conditions that can cause pelvic pain. Both conditions involve the uterine lining but differ in where the tissue is located. Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue grows inside the uterus's muscle wall, while endometriosis occurs when the tissue grows outside the uterus. There are several traditional treatments for both conditions including hormonal therapy such as birth control. Birth control can help to balance hormones in the body.
Examples of more traditional treatment approaches include medications and surgical approaches. Hormonal treatments are often effective in managing symptoms of both adenomyosis and endometriosis. These treatments include birth control pills, progesterone therapy, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. Surgery is sometimes used to remove endometrial tissue, but it is not a cure. Adenomyosis can also be treated with ablation, which destroys the endometrial tissue, and hysterectomy is the last resort option for both conditions.
There are also many holistic approaches to treatment that would prevent the use of birth control. This may include lifestyle changes, dietary and nutrition changes, supplements, and stress management. Talk to your doctor about which approach is right for you. Ideally, one will work on hormone balance with more holistic outlets.
Please note any treatment approaches mentioned are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
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Key Takeaways of Adenomyosis vs. Endometriosis.
Now that you know more about adenomyosis vs. endometriosis, you know that a menstrual cycle is painful, and you can have painful bowel movements too. Adenomyosis is diagnosed through multiple tests run by your doctor, and treatment options are distributed accordingly. The pelvic region is the most affected area when you have endometriosis or adenomyosis. Your outer muscular walls are affected and can be determined by a physical exam for a definitive diagnosis. These diseases are not typically found, so a diagnostic test is important. You may be at an increased risk so prevent these diseases now.
FAQs
Are There Treatment Options for Adenomyosis?
There is no cure for either adenomyosis or endometriosis, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, can help reduce pain and bleeding. Hormone therapy, such as the hormone progesterone, can also be effective in treating adenomyosis. Surgery is another option for treating adenomyosis and endometriosis, but it is not always successful in relieving symptoms.
Are There Surgical and Interventional Alternatives?
Adenomyosis is when the tissue that lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the uterus muscle (the myometrium). This can cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that looks and acts like the endometrium grows outside the uterus. This can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and infertility. Both adenomyosis and endometriosis are hormone-dependent conditions, meaning that estrogen levels influence them in the body. Hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or hormone therapy, can be used to manage symptoms. Surgery may also be an option for some women with adenomyosis or endometriosis.
How Can I Diagnose Endometriosis?
Adenomyosis is often diagnosed during a pelvic exam. Your doctor may feel enlarged, thickened areas of your uterus during the exam. They may also order an ultrasound or MRI to get a better look at your uterus. Endometriosis is often diagnosed using laparoscopic surgery. This is a minimally invasive surgery where small incisions are made in your abdomen. A telescope-like instrument is inserted into your abdomen so your doctor can see any endometrial tissue growing outside your uterus.
Are Menstrual Periods Affected by Endometriosis?
Adenomyosis is when the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, grows into muscle tissue. This can cause severe symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. Adenomyosis is often diagnosed during a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that normally lines inside your uterus grows outside your uterine cavity. This extra-uterine growth can occur on ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, rectum, bladder, and elsewhere in the pelvis. Endometriosis affects an estimated one in ten women during their reproductive years. The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, which is often worse during your period. Other symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during sex, and difficulty getting pregnant.
