Heavy periods are often the result of uterine fibroids, but they can also be the result of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis happens when tissue similar to your endometrium (the lining of your uterus) grows into the muscle wall of your uterus. In fact, the two conditions share many symptoms.
Whether your symptoms are related to fibroids or adenomyosis, our team takes heavy periods and menstrual pain seriously. If you’re experiencing painful or heavy periods, our team at Fresno Fibroid Center encourages you to visit our practice in Fresno, California, so we can determine the source of your pain and start your treatment.
Here is a brief overview of the six most common signs of adenomyosis.
Adenomyosis is most common in women who have previously given birth, who have had uterine procedures (including fibroid removal or dilation and curettage (D&C), or who have endometriosis.
Not all women notice symptoms. In fact, in one study, 53.7% of women with adenomyosis didn’t notice symptoms. However, if you do experience symptoms, they can be severe and painful and impact your quality of life.
The six most common signs of adenomyosis include:
Dysmenorrhea, painful menstrual cramps, can quickly take a toll on your quality of life and contribute to missed work days and missed social outings. Some women describe cramping associated with adenomyosis as sharp and intense.
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also referred to as menorrhagia, can contribute to fatigue, low iron levels, and frustration. If you constantly feel like you need to double up with sanitary napkins and tampons, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
The average period can range quite a bit, so it’s important to look for any deviations from what you experience normally. There are many reasons why your period may suddenly become abnormal, and adenomyosis is one of them. It can cause longer and heavier periods.
Adenomyosis contributes to painful menstrual cramps, but adenomyosis pain isn’t limited to your period. You may experience pelvic pain throughout your entire menstrual cycle.
Intercourse shouldn’t be painful, and if it is, it's important to find out what’s causing discomfort. Also known as dyspareunia, pain during intercourse can negatively impact your sexual wellness. Both fibroids and adenomyosis can contribute to painful intercourse.
As the endometrial tissues continue to grow into your uterine wall, your uterus becomes thicker. This can make your pelvic area feel full. You may also experience bloating.
Symptoms of adenomyosis and uterine fibroids overlap, and it’s nearly impossible to know which condition you have based on symptoms alone. Our expert team will evaluate your case and determine if additional evaluation with ultrasound imaging or an MRI is warranted.
Whether you’re dealing with uterine fibroids or adenomyosis, know that our team is here to help you find the relief you need. To find out what’s causing your pain, give us a call at 559-216-0746 or use our online form to book your next appointment.
