The uterus, one of the main organs of a woman’s reproductive system, is responsible for supplying nutrients for the development and growth of the fetus through implantation of a fertilized egg and attachment of the placenta. When various problems such as bacterial infection and excessive production of inflammation occur in the uterus, related diseases such as fibroids, endometriosis, and cervicitis occur. Adenomyosis is one of these uterine-related diseases, in which endometrial cells proliferate abnormally and spread into the muscular layer of the uterus, causing the uterus to grow in size as if it were pregnant.
The cause of adenomyosis is not clearly known. It is estimated that endometrial tissue permeates into the myometrium due to various factors such as childbirth, short menstrual cycle, and early menarche, or the tissue in the myometrium changes and becomes similar to endometrial tissue, thereby affecting the development. Although adenomyosis occurs in the age group in their 20s and 50s, it is known that it mainly occurs in the age group in their 40s and 50s who have had childbirth due to factors that are closely related to childbirth. However, in recent years, the incidence rate among young women under the age of 30 is also increasing, and it is said that the number is increasing every year. Now, let’s learn more about the main symptoms that cause adenomyosis, as well as various information about treatment and management.
Main symptoms of adenomyosis
The most common symptoms of adenomyosis are excessive menstruation and menstrual cramps. It is known that the endometrial tissue proliferates in the myometrium at every menstrual period and causes excessive bleeding, which causes severe menstrual and menstrual pain symptoms. In addition, symptoms such as anemia, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and pain in the lower abdomen may be accompanied, and the uterus may be enlarged.
Even if such adenomyosis has occurred, about 30% of them do not feel any symptoms, so the treatment period is delayed. If the treatment period is delayed in this way, the proliferated endometrial tissue interferes with the implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility and infertility. Says it could be the cause. Therefore, if you feel any physical abnormalities such as sudden increase in menstrual volume and worsening of menstrual pain, it is recommended to visit the hospital for examination and appropriate treatment. In particular, if you are a woman planning to become pregnant, it is very important to start treatment early for a safe and successful pregnancy when symptoms appear.
How to treat and manage adenomyosis
1. Accurate diagnostic procedure through multiple tests
In order to diagnose adenomyosis, in women of childbearing age with excessive menstruation or severe menstrual cramps, an enlarged uterus is confirmed upon examination, and various tests such as ultrasound and MRI are performed to confirm. These tests can only be confirmed tentatively, and the occurrence of adenomyosis can be confirmed by examining the excised uterine tissue and confirming the proliferation of endometrial tissue.
2. Treatment according to the diagnosis result
Depending on the results of the various tests mentioned above, it is divided into conservative and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment is treated with hormones, anti-inflammatory drugs, iron, etc., and surgical treatment such as total hysterectomy is performed. Also, if you have excessive menstruation and do not want to have a hysterectomy, you may proceed with treatment considering treatment methods such as endometrial electrolysis and thermal cauterization.
3. Habit to warm the uterus
It is known that there is no special way to prevent adenomyosis, and it is important to treat it as soon as possible after it occurs and to continue various management habits that help relieve symptoms. It is said that it is most important to warm the lower abdomen where the uterus is located so that blood circulation in the uterus can be smoothed. It is said that drinking hot tea and water frequently and consuming various foods that help improve symptoms of adenomyosis on a regular basis are said to help a lot. Ginger, mushrooms, broccoli, legumes, nuts, seaweed, and other foods are effective in inhibiting abnormal proliferation of endometrial tissue and helping to regulate blood circulation and hormone balance.
It is also recommended to avoid excessive consumption of oily, high-fat, high-calorie processed foods and instant foods, and to limit the intake of cold foods that lower body temperature. In addition, excessive diet and mental stress can cause hormonal imbalance and worsen symptoms, so it is recommended to be careful. Keep in mind that it is recommended to exercise regularly, but it is recommended to exercise at a moderate intensity suitable for your physical condition.
