Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue lining the uterus, exists within and grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would, i.e. thickening, breaking down and bleeding during each menstrual cycle. Adenomyosis can cause menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, and bloating before menstrual periods and can result in heavy periods. 

Symptoms most often start late in the childbearing years after having children. Adenomyosis can cause menstrual cramps, lower abdominal pressure, and bloating before menstrual periods and can result in heavy periods. Because the symptoms are so similar, adenomyosis is often misdiagnosed as uterine fibroids. Earlier, the only definitive way to diagnose adenomyosis was to perform a hysterectomy and examine the uterine tissue under a microscope. However, imaging technology has made it possible for doctors to recognize adenomyosis without surgery. 

Argentina Endometriosis Society (SAE) conducted a public consultation on the pain and endometriosis among 1,200 women of reproductive age. The result was that over 70% had menstrual pain and 30% had severe discomfort with fainting and other ailments even outside the menstrual period. It is estimated that between 40 and 50% of women seeking to become pregnant have some degree of endometriosis.