Women's Health
Discover how Main Line Health provides comprehensive and compassionate care for women in all stages of life.
Adenomyosis
What is adenomyosis?
If you experience abnormal bleeding, including heavy or painful periods, you may have adenomyosis. This is a common problem, particularly if you have reached middle age.
Adenomyosis is non-cancerous. If your symptoms are bothersome, you will need treatment. Many times, women who have adenomyosis also have other gynecological problems such as fibroids or endometriosis.
What causes adenomyosis?
Specifically, adenomyosis happens when the tissue that lines your uterus (called endometrial tissue) forms nodules. Nodules are like tiny masses of cells that form where they should not. Usually, if you have adenomyosis, your uterus will be enlarged. You may have painful or heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or you may have no symptoms at all.
Symptoms of adenomyosis
Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding, including painful periods, heavy bleeding during your period or other problems associated with your monthly cycle. Your doctor will likely do a physical exam to see if your uterus is enlarged. They will also see if the uterus contracts normally and if it is spongy to the touch—both symptoms of adenomyosis.
Diagnosis and testing for adenomyosis
It can be difficult to diagnose adenomyosis for certain. Therefore, your doctor may also want to do an ultrasound or MRI to get a closer look. In addition, if you need to have a hysterectomy, your doctor can diagnose adenomyosis by examining a specimen from your uterus under a microscope. Unfortunately, this is not an option for women who do not need or wish to have a hysterectomy.
Treatments
At Main Line Health, our goal is to help you feel better and reduce your symptoms caused by adenomyosis. Different treatment options offer different levels of help to each individual woman. Some treatments offered include:
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery can be used to treat a broad spectrum of gynecological disorders with advanced precision.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
For the patient, uterine fibroid embolization is a simple procedure that takes from one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with a light sedation.
Endometrial Ablation
An endometrial ablation is a safe and quick procedure to reduce heavy bleeding for patients with uterine problems.
Hormone Therapy
Main Line Health offers hormone therapy to treat symptoms caused by menopause, premature ovarian failure and surgical removal of the ovaries.
Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy
LAVH is a minimally invasive method of performing a hysterectomy.
Gynecology
Whether you’re seeing us for common gynecological problems or seeking out advanced therapies and the very best surgical expertise, our physicians, board-certified are here for in gynecology, are here for you every stage of your life from adolescence through the childbearing years into menopause and beyond.