Endometriosis and adenomyosis; what are the differences and what are the symptoms
You may have heard of endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects people with a uterus. Several celebrities, such as Anitta and Tata Werneck, have already talked about what it’s like to deal with the condition. Data from the Ministry of Health show that endometriosis affects 10% to 15% of women of reproductive age.
On the other hand, there is also a growing discussion of another similar phenomenon: the adenomyosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten women worldwide suffer from the disease. Most of these Brazilian women even have their uterus removed.
Marcelo Cavalcante, gynecologist and assisted reproduction specialist, reveals that adenomyosis affects approximately 30% of women of childbearing age. It can be asymptomatic in up to 1/3 of cases. “It can also make getting pregnant more difficult, contributing to infertility and pregnancy loss,” he adds.
Symptoms
The most frequent symptoms of adenomyosis are profuse and prolonged menstrual bleeding, the presence of intense menstrual cramps, which can vary in frequency and intensity depending on the extent of the disease.
In addition to the patient’s clinical history, the diagnosis can be suspected from the gynecological examination in which it is possible to observe an enlarged, soft and painful uterus, especially before menstruation. Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are imaging tests that aid in diagnosis.
Is adenomyosis endometriosis?
Although it is known as “endometriosis of the uterus”, the differences between the two diseases are important. Anatomically, the uterus consists of three layers: the endometrium (the inner layer that lines the uterine cavity), the myometrium (the muscle of the uterus, the middle layer responsible for contractions during labor), and the serosa (the of tissue lining the outside of the uterus).
“The endometrium, where the embryo develops during pregnancy, is renewed with each menstrual cycle. During menstruation, the endometrium peels off, being eliminated in the form of bleeding,” explains Marcelo.
The key point is that in endometriosis, the endometrium implants itself somewhere outside the uterine cavity, which can be in the ovary, bladder, bowel, peritoneum, or even outside the pelvic cavity.
Adenomyosis, on the other hand, occurs when the endometrium is implanted into the muscular layer of the uterus and can be classified as focal or diffuse. In focal adenomyosis, the disease affects small areas of the uterine wall. In the diffuse there is a commitment of almost all the uterine muscles.
How old?
The onset of adenomyosis is variable, according to the specialist. “Some studies have observed a higher prevalence in 60% of women between the ages of 40 and 50. already the Endometriosis occurs in about 15% of women of childbearing age“, he says.
According to the expert, most women over 40 live with heavy flow and cramps for years, thinking it’s normal and only later discovering it’s adenomyosis. “There is a late diagnosis. Between the ages of 40-50 is when this diagnosis occurs and the symptoms worsen over time,” he points out.
Treatment and control
The goal is symptom control. “For this we use anti-inflammatory and hormonal drugs, which reduce menstrual cramps and the intensity of menstrual flow. In cases where pharmacological treatment does not resolve, surgery should be evaluated ”, he concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
