Adenomyosis | Dr Iris Orbuch | Los Angeles

Adenomyosis is gynecological condition where tissue similar to that found in the endometrium, endometrial glands and stroma, is found within the myometrium, the muscle of the uterus.  Most often endometriosis and adenomyosis are found together but can occur independently.

Symptoms of Adenomyosis

• painful periods
• heavy menstrual cycles often leading to anemia
• painful sex
• pelvic pain
• irregular bleeding
• pelvic heaviness and pressure

Adenomyosis can be found diffusely throughout the entire uterus as well as focally, referred to as an adenomyoma.  Often imaging may describe a fibroid, but in actuality it is an adenomyoma.  MRI can be utilized to differentiate between a fibroid and an adenomyoma.

Adenomyosis can be detected via MRI, though the gold standard for detection is laparoscopy.  At laparoscopy, the uterus is often enlarged, boggy, pale, and irregular.