The condition is often under-diagnosed and missed
If you have ever felt bloated or like you have a ‘fullness’ in your stomach, this could be a sign of a common condition and you may need to go to hospital. The NHS warns that this could indicate Adenomyosis.
This is a condition where the lining of the womb (uterus) starts growing into the muscle in the wall of the womb, called the myometrium. Sadly there is no cure, but there are treatments that can help with any symptoms.
The feeling of ‘fullness’ differs from being full when you are hungry, and other symptoms may occur alongside it such as pelvic pain. But why would you need to go to the hospital?
What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
Some people with adenomyosis have no symptoms however others experience an array of them, either all at once, or a few symptoms across a number of weeks, months or days.
Some symptoms of adenomyosis affect your periods, such as:
- painful periods
- heavy bleeding during your period
Other symptoms can happen any time of the year include:
- pelvic pain (pain in the lower part of your tummy)
- bloating, heaviness or fullness in your tummy (abdomen)
- pain during sex
Is adenomyosis serious?
Yes, it can be. For many it causes intense pain that can be debilitating. You should seek immediate help if your pelvic pain or period pain is severe or worse than usual, and painkillers have not helped.
How do you treat adenomyosis?
If you need any tests or treatment, you may need to go to hospital such as for a hysterectomy, or surgery to remove the lining of your womb (endometrial ablation)
Other treatment options that do not require surgery include:
- the IUS (intrauterine system, also called Mirena or hormonal coil), which thins the womb lining, making your periods lighter and less painful
- other types of hormonal contraception if you cannot or do not want to have an IUS, such as the progestogen-only pill, the combined pill or the contraceptive patch
- medicines such as tranexamic acid or NSAIDs
The NHS cautions you should see a GP if:
- your periods become more painful, heavier or irregular
- you have pain during sex
- heavy periods are affecting your life or you’ve had them for some time
- you’ve been feeling bloated for a while (about 3 weeks)
- you bleed between periods or after sex