Adenomyosis is an enlarged uterus caused by growth of endometrial tissue into the uterine tissue. This means that the lining of the uterus grows into the wall and muscle (also called the myometrium) of the uterus. The tissue keeps working just like the uterine lining — it gets thicker and then breaks down every month during your period (1).
Is it dangerous to have an enlarged uterus?
In general, adenomyosis is not dangerous. In women with severe symptoms, however, heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia, which causes fatigue. The excessive bleeding and pain can also lead women to avoid activities and socializing, which can strain relationships and lead to depression, anxiety and other emotional distress.
Can adenomyosis cause infertility?
In severe cases, adenomyosis that causes adenomyomas can lead to infertility in young women. (2) It is possible that adenomyosis itself can also cause infertility or trouble conceiving, but more research is needed. (3)
Possible problems conceiving may be due to the changes the disease can cause in the lining of the uterus or because it commonly co-occurs with endometriosis. (4) Adenomyosis and pregnancy are not necessarily incompatible, however. Many women with adenomyosis can conceive either naturally or with artificial assistance. (5) Normally, however, adenomyosis is diagnosed in women late in their childbearing years or after women have had children.
Is adenomyosis a cancer?
No, adenomyosis is not a type of cancer. However, adenomysois can result in a mass or lump of tissue called an adenomyoma. (6) These are basically benign (non-cancerous) tumors. They may look like uterine fibroids. Some people worry that adenomyosis and cancer of the endometrium or uterus may go hand in hand, but there doesn’t appear to be an increased risk of cancer among women with adenomyosis. (7, 8) Of course, some people with the condition will also have cancer, but it’s not believed that adenomyosis increases the risk. (9)
Can adenomyosis cause infertility?
In severe cases, adenomyosis that causes adenomyomas can lead to infertility in young women. (10) It is possible that adenomyosis itself can also cause infertility or trouble conceiving, but more research is needed. (11)
Possible problems conceiving may be due to the changes the disease can cause in the lining of the uterus or because it commonly co-occurs with endometriosis. (12) Adenomyosis and pregnancy are not necessarily incompatible, however. Many women with adenomyosis can conceive either naturally or with artificial assistance. (13) Normally, however, adenomyosis is diagnosed in women late in their childbearing years or after women have had children.
- Alter your diet
There is little specific research on diet and adenomyosis. However, many studies have investigated the relationship between diet and menstrual pain.
- Include omega-3 fatty acids: Endometriosis is more common in women with a lot of trans-fatty acids in their diet, and it is less likely in women who eat a lot of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. (14) Since fish oil has also been found to reduce menstrual pain, it may make sense to eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in trans fats. (15, 16) Healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish such as mackerel and salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds and egg yolks.
- Eat low-fat dairy: Abdominal bloating and pain during your period may be less likely if you eat three or four servings of dairy per day. (17)
- Consider a low-fat vegetarian diet: In a review of dietary and other treatments for painful and heavy periods, a low-fat vegetarian diet was identified as a possibly helpful way to reduce symptoms. (18)
- Eat lots of fiber: Women who ate a diet high in fiber had significantly less menstrual pain than women who didn’t in a Japanese study looking at multiple diets. (19)
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, other dietary changes you can make to reduce period-related pain include: (54)
- Eat foods rich in calcium and antioxidants.
- Avoid processed or refined foods, such as white bread.
- Get your protein from lean meat, tofu or beans.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Don’t smoke.
- Stay hydrated, drinking about six to eight glasses of water every day.
Marina Farook 